Gene Simmons slams Ben Stiller and Mark Ruffalo's political opinions: 'Nobody cares what you think'

Rockstar Gene Simmons argues that wealthy actors should stop lecturing hardworking Americans on politics.
PUBLISHED MAR 11, 2026
KISS icon Gene Simmons says stars like Ben Stiller and Mark Ruffalo should stop sharing political views and stick to entertainment (Getty Images)
KISS icon Gene Simmons says stars like Ben Stiller and Mark Ruffalo should stop sharing political views and stick to entertainment (Getty Images)


LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: KISS co-founder Gene Simmons has called for celebrities like Ben Stiller and Mark Ruffalo to stop sharing their political opinions and stick to their art.

The rock legend argued that “people in America work hard for their living” and do not want to be lectured by wealthy entertainers who “live in mansions and drive Rolls Royces.”

Gene Simmons slams political ‘lectures’ from Hollywood stars

During a recent interview, Gene Simmons was asked about his opinion about Hollywood stars criticizing political figures and the use of their work in political activism. 

Simmons responded with a very direct message for his peers in the entertainment industry. 

"Yeah, because everybody in the world should listen to what actors and comedians say, because they're so qualified," he said with heavy sarcasm. 

KORTRIJK, BELGIUM - AUGUST 11: Gene Simmons of Gene Simmons Band performs at Alcatraz Metal Fest on August 11, 2024 in Kortrijk, Belgium. (Photo by Elsie Roymans/Getty Images)
Gene Simmons of Gene Simmons Band performs at Alcatraz Metal Fest on August 11, 2024 in Kortrijk, Belgium. (Photo by Elsie Roymans/Getty Images)

He then doubled down on his stance by stating, "Basically, shut... up. Do your art, and shut up. Nobody's interested in your opinions."

Simmons believes that this rule should apply to everyone in show business, including himself. 

"People in America work hard for their living, and they don't want to be lectured to by people who live in mansions and drive Rolls Royces," Simmons explained. 

He insisted that it is time for everyone in the entertainment industry to "shut their pie hole and just do your art." The musician further added, "Nobody cares what you think."

Gene Simmons, a founding member of the rock band KISS, testifies to a Senate Judiciary subcommittee on Capitol Hill on December 09, 2025 in Washington, DC. Simmons appeared at the Intellectual Property Subcommittee hearing on
Gene Simmons, a founding member of the rock band KISS, testifies to a Senate Judiciary subcommittee on Capitol Hill on December 09, 2025 in Washington, DC. Simmons appeared at the Intellectual Property Subcommittee hearing on "Balancing the Interests of Local Radio, Songwriters, and Performers in the Digital Age." (Photo by Heather Diehl/Getty Images)

Simmons questions celebrity influence on politics

The KISS Frontman specifically called out actors who have been vocal about their political stances, questioning why their views should carry any weight. 

"What will Mark Ruffalo? However he pronounces his name, Ruffalo, Buffalo. How, What does Mark think about politics? I don't care," Simmons remarked. 

He suggested that seeking political insight from celebrities is as misplaced as asking a reality star for commentary on global conflicts, adding, "Or, or, go to Kylie Jenner and ask her what she thinks of the war so far."

By the end of his remarks, Simmons made it clear that he prefers a complete separation between entertainment and political discourse. 



Gene Simmons' remarks follow Ben Stiller and Mark Ruffalo's criticism of the Trump government

Simmons' comments come after Ben Stiller demanded the White House remove a clip of his 2008 film Tropic Thunder from a video montage. 

"Hey White House, please remove the Tropic Thunder clip. We never gave you permission and have no interest in being a part of your propaganda machine. War is not a movie," Stiller posted on X.

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 22:  Mark Ruffalo attends the Los Angeles World Premiere of Marvel Studios'
 Mark Ruffalo attends the Los Angeles World Premiere of Marvel Studios' "Avengers: Endgame" at the Los Angeles Convention Center on April 23, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)

Meanwhile, Avengers star Mark Ruffalo also targeted the administration following airstrikes on Iran, specifically criticizing Jared Kushner’s role in negotiations. 

Sharing an article about the President's son-in-law, Ruffalo wrote on Threads, "He (Kushner) was sent to make sure we went to war."

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