KISS’s Gene Simmons has been sued for sexual battery, a complaint that will come as a shock to anyone who knows absolutely nothing about Gene Simmons or his wince-worthy public persona.
The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleges that Simmons touched and groped an on-air personality for a rock radio station, as well as flicking her in the throat (?), during an interview to promote the expansion of the San Bernadino Rock & Brews restaurant, which Simmons co-owns.
“My client is embarrassed and humiliated by the incident with Mr. Simmons,” according to Willie W. Williams, attorney for the plaintiff, who is identified in the suit only as ‘Jane Doe.’ “She filed suit because she wanted to make a strong statement that this behavior is unacceptable and she wants to see an end to this type of behavior.”
In a statement to media, Simmons denied the allegations:
Friends, I intend to defend myself against any alleged charges you may have been reading about in the media. For the record, I did not assault the person making these accusations in the manner alleged in the complaint or harm her in any way. I am conferring with my lawyers with the aim of vigorously countering these allegations. And, I look forward to my day in court where the evidence will prove my innocence.
Side notes: Simmons has previously been sued for sexual assault. He is also notoriously hostile to women in media; his 2002 interview with Terry Gross included such bon mots as “If you want to welcome me with open arms, I’m afraid you’re also going to have to welcome me with open legs.”
The lawsuit alleges sexual battery, gender violence, battery, and assault. It is available in full here.