Watch Gene Simmons Tells Mark Ruffalo and Ben Stiller to ‘Shut the F— Up’ About Politics in New Video

Rock musician Gene Simmons has sparked debate after criticizing actors Mark Ruffalo and Ben Stiller over their political commentary in a newly released interview video. The KISS frontman spoke bluntly when asked about celebrities reacting to recent U.S. military strikes involving Iran, arguing that entertainers should avoid sharing political opinions publicly.

During a conversation with TMZ on Tuesday, Simmons was asked whether he believed it was fair for actors like Stiller to criticize President Donald Trump’s military decisions. Simmons responded with sarcasm, questioning why entertainers should be treated as authorities on political matters. “Because everybody in the world should listen to what actors and comedians say because they’re so qualified,” he said.

Criticism of Celebrity Political Commentary

Simmons quickly made his position clear. “Basically, shut the f— up,” Simmons told TMZ. “Do your art and shut up. Nobody’s interested in your opinions, that includes me. Who I vote for. Who I like.” He argued that many Americans do not want political lectures from wealthy public figures.

He continued, “Who the f— do you think you are? People in America work hard for a living, and they don’t want to be lectured to by people who live in mansions and drive Rolls-Royces. It’s time for everybody in the entertainment industry to shut their piehole and just do your art. Nobody cares what you think. I don’t.” Simmons also mocked Ruffalo, mispronouncing his name as “Mark Buffalo,” while repeating that he did not care about celebrity political opinions.

Humor, Politics, and Personal Privacy

The video ended with Simmons suggesting that celebrities should stay away from political discussions entirely. “Or go to Kylie Jenner and ask her what she thinks of the war so far,” Simmons joked, reinforcing his belief that fame does not equal political expertise.

Simmons has previously spoken about keeping his own political views private. Despite being honored alongside other members of KISS at the Kennedy Center in December by President Donald Trump, whom Simmons said he has known “on and off” for decades, he has often avoided public political alignment. Instead, he has focused on personal choice and individual privacy when discussing civic matters.

Earlier Remarks on Political Division

In a December appearance on CNN’s “Inside Politics,” Simmons addressed growing tensions around political identity. “It’s nobody’s business who you support,” Simmons said. “Nowadays, people engage in, ‘So are you pro or,’ and my first question is, ‘Who the f— are you? Who are you?’ Since when does who I support or not support is the business of anyone except my conscience?”

He added that humor and tolerance could help ease social divisions. “But literally, have a sense of humor. Take a pill, shut up and stop worrying what your next-door neighbor believes or doesn’t believe. It’s their America too.”