Simmons Denies Assault Claim

Gene Simmons denied a claim he attacked a makeup artist at ESPN studios in Los Angeles when Simmons made an appearance there last November. He has filed a countersuit of his own.

The KISS frontman said in a June 4 statement that a sexual assault/sexual battery lawsuit filed by Victoria Jackson in Los Angeles Superior Court May 27 is nothing more than an extortion attempt.

“I have no idea who this woman is and I deny her allegations,” Simmons said. “I was only at the ESPN studios for a very short time, perhaps a half-hour, and was accompanied by KISS’ drummer Eric Singer the entire time. I will not stand by and allow this baseless allegation to go unchallenged.”

The alleged incident stemmed from Simmons’ and KISS drummer Eric Singer’s appearance on ESPN SportsCenter in full costume and makeup just before KISS’ performance at the Staples Center Nov. 24.

Jackson’s lawsuit claims Simmons, against her will, hugged her so tightly the spikes on Simmons’ breast plate injured her. The suit also claims he “grinded” against her, causing her “embarrassment, shame, humiliation, depression, anxiety” and various other maladies. The lawsuit seeks more than $500,000 in damages and other costs.

Simmons’ countersuit claims he got a letter from an attorney allegedly representing Jackson within a couple of months of the ESPN visit that demanded he pay the woman $185,000 before May 14 in regard to the alleged assault to avoid a lawsuit. Simmons refused, the statement said.