Gene Simmons Faces Backlash as Guest Judge on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ – Details

When the official Instagram account for the popular competition show “Dancing with the Stars” (“DWTS”) shared a post reminding viewers that rock and roll icon Gene Simmons would be a guest judge, some people were excited. However, when he appeared on the show, many found his comments to be problematic.

A video that was shared on TikTok by a viewer, who recorded a portion of the “Hair Metal Night” episode during week 4, displayed the “DWTS” judges providing feedback to contestants Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong.

After Derek Hough finished assessing their performance, Simmons began making his judgments. “Chandler, you fogged up my glasses,” remarked the artist as he took off his dark shades.

“You moved me, not just with your gyrations and so on, but your beautiful face and how you were into the emotion of it — top to bottom,” continued Simmons as he motioned to his body with his hands. He ended by praising Kinney, noting how she has a “big future” ahead of her because of her talent.

The same TikToker posted another clip of the episode, but this time, the judges were giving feedback to contestants Danny Amendola and Witney Carson. In the same way that he made comments about Kinney’s appearance, Simmons highlighted his affinity for Amendola and Carson’s looks.

“You know this is a brand new experience for me, and it’s difficult to look at both of you and to figure out which one is more hot, hot, hot,” admitted the former Kiss band member.

After he said this, the audience roared with cheers as Carson and Amendola looked around with wide smiles and seemingly shocked expressions.

“Danny, I’m telling you, you’re right next to somebody — one of the most beautiful women on the planet. She makes you look good. Buddy, you gotta hit the gym. You gotta get in there,” added Simmons.

A third video shared by the same social media user showed another dancing couple receiving their critiques. Commenting on contestants Reginald VelJohnson and Emma Slater’s performance, Simmons expressed, “You’ve got a beautiful woman right beside you, who can twist it and turn it, and knows how to move it and, you know, all that.”

Addressing VelJohnson, the rock legend praised, “I wanna tell you, as a guy that’s been on the stage for half a century around the world — I’m kind of a big deal, Reggie. It’s all in the attitude and you’ve got something in that beautiful face — they love you!”

Upon hearing Simmons’ comments and witnessing his behavior, social media users wasted no time in slamming him for being inappropriate in the comment section of the guest judge Instagram announcement. “Absolutely atrocious. Creepy and ruined tonight for me,” asserted a user.

Another echoed, “He was absolutely inappropriate,” while someone else opined, “Worst guest judge! […] His scores were based on physical appearance alone, not skill or talent. Terrible choice ‘DWTS.’ He should not be allowed to judge again!”

“He mocked the show with his scores in the grossest way,” observed an Instagrammer. Reddit users jumped on the disdain for Simmons bandwagon, too.

In response to a question asking if anyone else was uncomfortable with his actions, a reader noted, “I cringed so hard. I never know what he’s gonna say next and I hate it. I just hold my breath the whole time.”

“Gene is so gross I turned off this episode and I’m just following in live chat. I don’t think I’ve done that before??? [sic] Been watching every ep since season 10,” divulged another, who received a “:(” as a response from someone else.

Referencing Simmons’ wife, Shannon Tweed, a Reddit user penned, “imagine [sic] his wife hearing him say to another woman that she’s one of the most beautiful women ever in front of millions, how embarrassing.” Another replied, “i [sic] think just being married to that […] would be mortifying enough.”

In the comment section of a Facebook post about Simmons fueling controversy with what he said on the show, a Facebooker exclaimed, “Were they that desperate for a judge!!!!”

“He was awful and more concerned about the female dancers’ looks than anything. Made inappropriate comments and his scoring was ridiculous. Worse [sic] judge ever. Had no place being there!” wrote another.

Someone else who agreed with the aforementioned sentiments said, “The only people that should sit at the table should be people that have had either dancing or choreography experience!”

The aforementioned comments juxtapose the initial enthusiasm some netizens showed before Simmons was on the show. “LET’S GO!!!! A living legend!!!” swooned a fan while another gushed, “So awesome!! 🔥❤️.” Meanwhile, an admirer dubbed the show’s guest judge choice “an excellent pick.”

Aside from the huge backlash Gene Simmons faced from the “DWTS” episode that started with a choreographed opening performance of his band’s popular song, “Rock and Roll All Nite,” two contestants went home. Unfortunately, VelJohnson was eliminated along with famous actor Eric Roberts.

Sharing a few words about his experience on the competition series, VelJohnson mentioned, “This has been very special; a special occasion, and she’s been very special to me. I love this, thank you.”

Regarding what Roberts had to say about his journey, he emphasized how collaborating with his dance partner was the best work experience he has had throughout his career.

Fans had strong reactions to seeing VelJohnson and Roberts leave the show, with most conveying their sadness.

“These guys makin [sic] me cry […]😭😭,” stated a TikToker while another disclosed, “I’m crying 😭.” “THEY ARE SO PURE IM [sic] GONNA MISS THEM 😞,” announced someone else.

With VelJohnson and Roberts eliminated, the remaining pairs are Kinney and Armstrong, Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson, Brooks Nader and Gleb Savchenko, and Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold.

These contestants are also joined by Amendola and Carson, Jenn Tran and Sasha Farber, Phaedra Parks and Val Chmerkovskiy, Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach, and Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten.