KISS rocker Gene Simmons is defending himself amid allegations made by a woman who claims he groped her during the grand opening of one of his restaurants in California last month.
The unidentified woman says that she was groped by Simmons during an interview part of the opening of his restaurant Rock & Brews in San Bernardino. She filed a lawsuit against him in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Friday.
On Saturday, the 68-year-old bassist denied any wrongdoing and released a statement that reads: ‘Friends, I intend to defend myself against any alleged charges you may have been reading about in the media.
‘For the record, I did not assault the person making these accusations in the manner alleged in the complaint or harm her in any way.
‘I am conferring with my lawyers with the aim of vigorously countering these allegations. And, I look forward to my day in court where the evidence will prove my innocence.’
KISS rocker Gene Simmons is defending himself amid allegations made by a woman who claims he groped her during the grand opening of one of his restaurants in California last month
The unidentified woman says that she interviewed Simmons as part of the opening of Rock & Brews in San Bernardino which he owns with Paul Stanley (right)
On Saturday, the 68-year-old bassist denied any wrongdoing and released a statement that said: ‘I look forward to my day in court where the evidence will prove my innocence.’
Simmons and band mate Paul Stanley own Rock & Brews, which is a rock n’roll-themed restaurant chain that offers American comfort food.
At the opening of the eatery last month, Simmons reportedly sat down for an interview with the woman who claims that he reached over and grabbed her hand before placing her hand on his knee.
In her lawsuit, the woman says that this made her feel uncomfortable.
The lawsuit states, ‘Defendant Simmons turned standard interview questions into sexual innuendos, which made plaintiff Doe extremely uncomfortable.’
The woman claims that Simmons made comments about how soft her hand was and that she needed to use lotion.
She then claims that Simmons reached over and flicked her throat.
Afterward, both Simmons and the interviewer posed with others for a group photo.
During the photo shoot, the woman claims Simmons also grabbed her butt.
The lawsuit also notes that the 68-year-old has had a ‘troubling’ tour while promoting his new book titled, On Power.
During the interview, the woman claims Simmons reached over and grabbed her hand. He then allegedly placed her hand on his knee. The interior of the Rock & Brews in San Bernardino in seen in the above stock image
The woman mentions in her lawsuit how Simmons ‘earned a lifetime ban from FOX News studios for allegedly exposing his torso to staff members and shouting: ‘Hey chicks, sue me!’
Her suit alleges causes of action for gender violence, battery, sexual battery, assault, negligent retention of supervision, gender discrimination and negligent infliction of emotional distress.
Besides Simmons, Rock & Brews Holdings, LLC., Rock & Brews Holdings, Inc., Rock & Brews, LLC., and Rock & Brews Franchising, LLC. are also named as defendants.
The woman’s attorney, Willie W. Williams, spoke with the San Bernardino Sun and said: ‘My client is embarrassed and humiliated by the incident with Mr. Simmons.
‘She filed suit because she wanted to make a strong statement that this behavior is unacceptable and she wants to see an end to this type of behavior.’
The lawsuit identifies the victim as a ‘long-time on-air personality for a local rock station.’