Angela Simmons is sharing regret for her controversial red carpet accessory at the 2024 BET Awards.
The businesswoman and reality star, 36, issued an apology following backlash over a gun-shaped purse she carried to the Los Angeles event on June 30. Angela, who is the daughter of Run-DMC founder Joseph “Rev Run” Simmons, was photographed with a green sequined clutch that matched her emerald gown and resembled a pistol.
The piece sparked online criticism from those who found it disrespectful, and Angela noted in a lengthy message on her Instagram story the following day that she’d had time to reconsider her fashion statement and wanted to make things right.
“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,” she wrote, adding, “I deeply regret that this item, which symbolizes a gun, was inappropriate and insensitive, especially given my personal and community experiences with gun violence.”
Angela’s former fiancé Sutton Tennyson, with whom she shares a son, was fatally shot 13 times outside his Atlanta home in 2018. He was 37 years old. The Angela’s Cakes founder went on to note her understanding of “the pain and the hurt” her purse choice may have caused others who have been impacted by gun violence, which she called “a disease that has taken too many lives.”
“By carrying this purse, I did not intend to promote gun violence in any way,” she continued, pledging her commitment to her Angela’s Angels foundation that aims to reduce gun violence and assist those affected.
“It was a mistake that does not define who I am or my commitment to ending gun violence. To anyone who was hurt of offended by my actions, I offer my deepest apologies,” she added.
Copyright © 2026 by NBC Universal, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be republished, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.