Angela Simmons Issues Apology for Bringing Gun-Shaped Purse to the BET Awards: “I Deeply Regret This”

Angela Simmons faced backlash at the BET Awards for carrying a gun-shaped handbag. Fans criticized her for being insensitive, especially since her son’s father and her boyfriend Yo Gotti’s brother were victims of gun violence.

Simmons initially responded on IG, saying she liked the bag, before issuing an apology on Instagram later.

Her apology read:

“I want to address the recent incident involving the green purse I carried at the BET Awards. When I chose the purse, I believed it was cute and unique, and I made a poor decision in using it as an accessory to amplify my beauty. I deeply regret that this item, which symbolizes a gun, was inappropriate and insensitive, especially given my personal and community experiences with gun violence.

I understand the pain and hurt this has caused, especially to those who have been directly impacted by gun violence. For my entire life, I have always exemplified peace, unification, and the resolution of gun violence in America. I have personally lost my partner, the father of my child, to gun violence, and I have witnessed its devastating impact on my community in Southeast Queens. My work with Erica Ford, a leading gun violence activist, and my own organization that creates programs to reduce gun violence and helps those directly impacted by the epidemic, have always been about making peace a lifestyle.”

However, Gotti took to Instagram Stories to support her, on a lighter note, posting, “She just practicing lol.”

It may not have been the best time for Gotti to make jokes, but at least he is sticking beside her.