5 Shocking Moments From Gene Simmons' Controversial DWTS Guest Judge Appearance

As of December 2025, the legendary KISS bassist and vocalist Gene Simmons remains one of the most polarizing figures to ever grace the *Dancing with the Stars* (DWTS) judging panel. The rocker's one-off appearance as a guest judge during the show's highly anticipated "Hair Metal Night" in October 2024 did not feature him competing for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy, but rather ignited a firestorm of controversy that overshadowed the entire evening. His comments, which many viewers and critics immediately slammed as "creepy" and "sexist," became the most talked-about moment of the season, forcing the KISS icon to defend his unfiltered critiques in the days following the broadcast.

The incident is a fresh reminder of Gene Simmons's decades-long persona—a shrewd businessman and unapologetic rock star whose public statements often prioritize spectacle over sensitivity. While the show intended to celebrate the era of big hair and power ballads, the focus quickly shifted to the judge's panel, where Simmons's feedback focused less on the dancers' technique and more on their physical appearance, leading to a massive social media backlash and a subsequent doubling down on his controversial stance.

The Demon's Biography: A Profile of Gene Simmons

• Full Name: Chaim Witz (Hebrew); Gene Klein (Americanized)
• Stage Name: Gene Simmons
• Date of Birth: August 25, 1949
• Place of Birth: Tirat Carmel, Israel (then Mandatory Palestine)
• Nationality: Israeli-American
• Primary Occupation: Musician, Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer, Entrepreneur, Actor
• Famous For: Co-founder, bassist, and co-lead singer of the rock band KISS. Known for his "Demon" stage persona and signature long tongue.
• Spouse: Shannon Tweed (married 2011)
• Children: Nick Simmons, Sophie Simmons
• Other Notable Ventures: Gene Simmons Family Jewels (A&E reality series, 2006–2012), Simmons Records, various business and merchandising endeavors.
• DWTS Role: Guest Judge (October 8, 2024)

The October 2024 DWTS Firestorm: What Really Happened on 'Hair Metal Night'

The episode of *Dancing with the Stars* that aired on October 8, 2024, was dedicated to "Hair Metal Night," a theme perfectly suited for the presence of a rock legend. Gene Simmons joined the permanent judging panel—which included Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough—as a special guest judge. The expectation was that the KISS icon would bring his unique, rock-and-roll perspective to the dance floor critiques. The reality, however, was far more contentious.

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

Almost immediately, Simmons’s feedback began to raise eyebrows. Instead of offering technical analysis of the celebrity contestants' Cha-Chas, Salsas, and Paso Dobles, the "Demon" focused heavily on the physical attributes and costuming of the dancers. His comments were perceived by a vast number of viewers and several media outlets as inappropriate, sexist, and objectifying, particularly towards the female professional dancers and celebrities.

The Most Controversial Moments and Critiques

The controversy wasn't centered on a single misstep but a pattern of remarks throughout the night. Here are some of the moments that generated the most significant backlash:

1. The Focus on Looks: Rather than commenting on footwork or synchronicity, Simmons repeatedly emphasized how "beautiful" or "hot" the female dancers were. Critics argued this trivialized the immense effort and skill involved in the choreography and performance.
2. The Witney Carson/Danny Amendola Comment: During the critique for retired NFL star Danny Amendola and pro dancer Witney Carson, Simmons made a comment that was widely called out. He reportedly stated that the dance was "a little ho-hum" but that Carson's appearance was "a 10," implying his score was purely based on her looks. This direct link between a dancer's appearance and the score was seen as a profound disrespect to the art of ballroom dancing.
3. Ignoring the Technical Judges: Simmons's scores and commentary often seemed completely divorced from the technical and artistic feedback provided by the veteran judges like Carrie Ann Inaba and Derek Hough. His scores appeared arbitrary, further frustrating fans who felt he wasn't taking the role seriously.
4. The Social Media Uproar: The immediate aftermath saw a torrent of negative comments on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit. Fans slammed the show's producers for inviting him and called his appearance "creepy," "cringey," and a distraction from the competition.

Standing By His Words: Simmons Doubles Down on Controversy

In the days following the October 2024 broadcast, the pressure on Gene Simmons to address the public outcry was immense. However, in a move entirely consistent with his public persona, the rock legend refused to apologize or retract his statements. Instead, he chose to double down on his position, asserting that he stood by "every word" he said.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

Simmons’s defense was rooted in the argument that he was simply being honest and authentic, a trait he often champions in his business and personal life. He suggested that his critiques reflected a common, unstated perspective, and that the backlash was an overreaction to candor. This defiant stance only fueled the controversy, extending the news cycle and further polarizing the public. For his fans, it was a display of the "Demon's" characteristic fearlessness; for his critics, it was proof of his outdated and problematic views.

From Competitor to Critic: Gene Simmons' History with Dancing with the Stars

While his 2024 role was as a controversial guest judge, the KISS frontman's connection to *Dancing with the Stars* goes back much further. Over the years, Gene Simmons has confirmed that he has been invited to join the show as a celebrity contestant, but he has consistently turned down the opportunity.

This refusal to compete is significant. Simmons, a highly successful entrepreneur and reality TV veteran from his long-running A&E series *Gene Simmons Family Jewels* (2006–2012), is no stranger to the world of television. The reality show, which chronicled his life with his partner Shannon Tweed and their children, Nick and Sophie Simmons, demonstrated his willingness to open his private life to the cameras.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

However, the physical demands and vulnerability of a dance competition appear to be a step too far for the rock star. His decision to accept the guest judge role, despite rejecting the competitor role, provided a safe platform for him to engage with the show on his own terms—as a critic and personality, rather than an amateur dancer. This dynamic is a key part of the DWTS narrative: the rock star who is willing to judge, but not be judged on the dance floor. His brief tenure as a guest judge ultimately proved that even a single night of unfiltered commentary could generate more headlines than an entire season of competition.

The Impact of the Unfiltered Critique on the DWTS Legacy

The "Hair Metal Night" episode featuring Gene Simmons serves as a cautionary tale for reality competition shows. While the quest for high ratings often leads producers to invite polarizing and attention-grabbing celebrities, the potential for an on-air disaster is always present. Simmons's comments disrupted the flow of the show, overshadowed the performances of the talented celebrity cast—including Xochitl Gomez, Alyson Hannigan, and Ariana Madix—and forced the focus onto the judging panel's internal dynamics.

Ultimately, the Gene Simmons DWTS incident of October 2024 will be remembered not for its high scores or spectacular dances, but for the shocking and controversial nature of its guest judge's remarks. It solidified the image of Gene Simmons as a figure who, even in his 70s, refuses to conform to modern sensibilities, choosing instead to lean into the provocative "Demon" persona that has defined his career in KISS and beyond. His brief, yet explosive, appearance on the show is a prime example of how a moment of unfiltered celebrity can dominate the cultural conversation, proving that for Gene Simmons, any publicity—even negative—is a successful business venture.