Angela Simmons says she "made a poor decision" in toting a gun-shaped purse to the 2024 BET Awards.
At the ceremony Sunday, Simmons, the daughter of Run-DMC founder Joseph Simmons, aka Rev. Run, carried what looked like a green, gun-shaped clutch to match her dress.
Following backlash from social media users, Simmons apologized for her purse in a message on Instagram on Monday.
"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 said.
"I deeply regret that this item, which symbolizes a gun, was inappropriate and insensitive, especially given my personal and community experiences with gun violence," she added.
Simmons' former partner Sutton Tennyson was fatally shot outside his home in Atlanta in 2018, People reported.
She leaned on this personal experience in her apology.
"I understand the pain and hurt this has caused, especially for those who have been directly impacted by gun violence," she said. "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."
Simmons also said she felt the "mistake" did not define her stance on gun violence.
"By carrying this purse, I did not intend to promote gun violence in any way," she said. "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."
Simmons ended her note by saying she will continue to work toward "making peace a reality" for people impacted by gun violence.
She said her foundation, Angela's Angels, "creates programs to reduce gun violence and helps those directly impacted by the epidemic."
TODAY.com has reached out to BET for comment.
