Gene Simmons Defends ‘Ghetto’ Comment Amid Rock Hall Debate
KISS bassist and co-founder Gene Simmons has addressed backlash over a recent remark in which he said he does not “come from the ghetto” while discussing rap music’s place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Simmons issued a clarification in response to criticism, saying his choice of wording was not intended as an insult.
In a statement, Simmons said he “stand[s] by” his words and argued that the term “ghetto” originated with Jewish communities before being adopted more widely, adding that he was using it “respectfully” rather than “in a bad way.”
Simmons also used the response to underline his view of American music’s roots, saying rock is “Black music” and that rock ‘n’ roll “owes everything to Black music,” while describing hip-hop as another form of Black music. His comments were framed as part of a broader discussion about genre boundaries and the Hall of Fame’s induction choices.
The episode arrives as Simmons continues to court attention with blunt opinions on pop culture, including a separate moment when he weighed in on struggling American Idol singers in recent Alternative Nation coverage.
While debates about the Hall of Fame’s scope have intensified as it inducts more rap and hip-hop artists, Simmons’ clarification suggests he is focused on defending his intent and emphasising the influence of Black musicians on rock history. The reaction also highlights how quickly language choices can become the central story when legacy artists weigh in on culture and genre.
