Angela Simmons, whose ex-fiancé Sutton Tennyson was shot and killed in 2018, apologized for wearing a sparkly, gun-shaped handbag to the 2024 BET Awards on Sunday.
“I want to address a recent incident involving the green handbag I carried to the BET Awards. When I chose the handbag, I thought it was cute and unique, but it was a misjudgment to use it as an accessory to accentuate my beauty,” she wrote on her Instagram Story on Monday night.
“I deeply regret that this gun symbolism was inappropriate and insensitive, especially given my own experiences with gun violence and those of my community,” she continued.
Simmons, 36, said she understood the “pain and suffering” her ensemble caused to people “directly affected by gun violence.”
The Lands House alumna, who has a 7-year-old son, Sutton Tennyson Jr., with Tennyson, wrote that she has represented “peace, unity and solutions to gun violence in America” her whole life, but saw the “devastating impact” of gun violence firsthand when Tennyson was killed.
“Gun violence is a disease that has taken too many lives, especially among young people and Black men. I never intended to encourage gun violence by owning this handbag. This was a mistake that does not define my identity or my commitment to ending gun violence. I sincerely apologize to anyone who was hurt or offended by my actions.”
Simmons said he remains committed to “making peace a reality for millions of children and families across America.”
On Sunday, the mother-of-one hit the BET Awards red carpet in a strapless, plunging green gown by Casze Atelier adorned with green jewels. She completed the look with a glittering green gun clutch and high heels.
At one point, the former reality TV star even pointed a fake weapon at the paparazzi while posing for photos on the red carpet.
However, Simmons faced criticism online about the wallet, with some users saying Call her Because it’s “trite” and “embarrassing.”
“This is in very bad taste,” one person commented, while another said, “The Glock clutch is awful. Indefensible. I’m usually on your side.”
Tennison was shot 13 times in the chest, abdomen, legs and arms in November 2018 while standing in the driveway of his home.
Michael Williams was arrested and charged with Tennyson’s murder and was sentenced to life in prison in April 2022.
