Gene Simmons Apologizes for Comments Linking Ace Frehley’s Death to “Bad Decisions”

KISS bassist and singer Gene Simmons has issued a public apology after previously suggesting that “bad decisions” played a role in the death of guitarist Ace Frehley, who passed away in October.

Taking to social media, Simmons acknowledged that his remarks were inappropriate. “On reflection, I was wrong for using the words I used. I humbly apologize,” he wrote.

Following Frehley’s death, Simmons appeared to imply that the guitarist’s long-documented struggles with alcoholism may have contributed to his passing, despite reports that Frehley had been sober for more than 20 years. “The saddest thing — you reap what you shall sow unfortunately,” Simmons said at the time.

In comments to the New York Post, Simmons further stated that Frehley had “refused advice from people that cared about him,” adding, “In and out of bad decisions. Falling down the stairs — I’m not a doctor — doesn’t kill you. There may have been other issues, and it breaks my heart.”

Media reports had attributed Frehley’s death to injuries sustained during a fall one month earlier.

After facing backlash from fans, Simmons has since walked back his earlier statements. “My hand to God, I didn’t intend to hurt Ace or his legacy,” he said. “But upon rereading my words, I see how it hurt everyone. Again, I apologize. I’ve always loved Ace. Always.”