Gene Simmons apologises for remark telling depression sufferers to kill themselves

The Kiss frontman faced a fierce backlash after commenting on mental health

Gene Simmons faced a fierce backlash for comments he made about depression (AP)

Gene Simmons has apologised after comments he made about depression in the wake of much-loved actor Robin Williams’ suicide sparked outrage.

The Kiss frontman, 64, said in an interview that those suffering from the illness should kill themselves and that he was “the guy who says ‘jump!’” when he sees someone on top of a building.

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But after a fierce backlash to his “moronic” opinion which saw several radio stations ban Kiss’ songs from their airwaves, Simmons posted a statement on his Facebook page.

“I was wrong and in the spur of the moment made remarks that in hindsight were made without regard to those who truly suffer the struggles of depression,” he wrote.

“I sincerely apologise to those who were offended by my comments. I recognise that depression is very serious and sad when it happens to anyone, especially loved ones.

“I deeply support and am empathetic to anyone suffering from any disease, especially depression.”

Simmons’ apology has been accepted by Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx who was among the first to call him out on his words.

“Gene said something that has been addressed and maybe in a moment of bravado he was just being cocksure and pompous?, “ he wrote online.

“When people are listening we have an opportunity to pass along some valuable and positive information.”

Simmons had been criticised just days earlier by garage rockers Black Lips for creating “misogynistic” and “sexist” music with his Seventies band.