Rock Legend Downplays Scary Malibu Crash, Blames Media for Blowing Story Out of Proportion.
Gene Simmons is pushing back against headlines surrounding his recent car accident, insisting the media wildly exaggerated what he calls a simple “fender-bender.”
The KISS legend, 76, was spotted driving in Los Angeles on Wednesday — just weeks after he passed out behind the wheel in Malibu and crashed his SUV into another vehicle — and he didn’t hold back when speaking to photographers.
Simmons told the paparazzi he believes the coverage of his accident was blown out of proportion, labeling the reports as “fake news” and urging outlets to focus on more meaningful global issues. According to him, the incident was nothing more than an everyday mishap, despite the alarming tone in many stories.
But according to photos and video obtained by TMZ, video from the immediate aftermath of the incident paints a more dramatic picture. Footage showed Simmons’ SUV with its front end crushed into the back of a truck on the roadside, suggesting a significant impact.
The rocker’s wife, Shannon Tweed, later opened up about what she believes led to the crash, explaining that Simmons had recently started a new medication and is notoriously bad about drinking water. The combination, she said, left him extremely dehydrated — to the point where he fainted while driving.
Tweed admitted she didn’t want him getting back behind the wheel after the accident, but Simmons appears to have ignored her concerns. She also noted that the terrifying episode could have ended far worse, a sentiment echoed by longtime friend and fellow KISS co-founder Paul Stanley.
Stanley reportedly said Simmons is “lucky to be alive,” given the circumstances of the crash.
Simmons, however, continues to shrug off the severity of the ordeal. He told photographers the situation was “no big deal,” doubling down on his belief that the media sensationalized the story.
For him, the matter is settled — and he wants everyone to consider the case closed.
