Angela Simmons, the self-proclaimed ‘Woman of God, mom, and philanthropist,’ faced criticism for her choice of accessory at the 2024 BET Awards. Sporting a strapless green dress, Simmons carried a bedazzled purse in the shape of a handgun, sparking controversy due to her personal history with gun violence. Her ex-fiancé and father of her child, Sutton Tennyson, tragically lost his life to gun violence in 2018.

Following the backlash, Simmons took to Instagram to address the situation. In a video on her Instagram Story, she clarified that she is not a violent person and simply viewed the handbag as a ‘cool’ fashion statement. Despite the negative reactions, she emphasized that she did not intend to offend anyone and expressed her peaceful nature.

Simmons’ accessory choice stirred discussions on social media, with many questioning the appropriateness of flaunting a gun-shaped accessory, especially given her personal history. While some fans found the purse to be a fashion statement, others criticized the insensitivity of the design.

As a former reality star, Simmons is no stranger to public scrutiny. Her response to the backlash highlighted her commitment to peace and clarified her intentions behind the controversial accessory. While the accessory may have sparked controversy, Simmons maintained that her choice was purely a ‘fashion moment’ and not meant to convey any harmful messages.

Simmons’ swift response to the criticism showcases her willingness to address concerns from her followers and clarify any misconceptions. Despite the mixed reactions to her BET Awards purse, Simmons remains focused on her role as a mother, philanthropist, and advocate for positivity in the face of adversity.