Angela Simmons recently found herself in hot water for her choice of fashion accessory at the 2024 BET Awards.
The glamorous event was attended by a lot of big names in Black Entertainment.
Why Angela Simmons Was Slammed For Purse
While there were many eye-catching outfits on display, one that attracted the most attention was Angela’s handbag.
But unfortunately for Angela, her choice was almost universally slammed.
She walked the red carpet sporting a glittery green clutch in the shape of a firearm.
Angela Pointed Gun-Shaped Clutch At Paparazzi
At one point, she even pointed the bag at the paparazzi cameras as she posed for pictures before the event.
It didn’t take long for commenters online to voice their outrage at Angela’s choice of accessory.
It was described as corny, cringe, and simply in bad taste.
The reason for this was Angela’s own personal history of experiencing the violence that comes with firearms.
In 2018, her ex-fiance Sutton Tennyson was fatally wounded in a shocking attack.
So for Angela to arrive at the event even appearing to glamorize weapons stirred up a lot of bad feelings online.
Angela Addressed Criticism
A short while after the event, Angela took to social media to address the criticism.
She explained in a lengthy written statement that she had chosen the purse because it was cute and unique.
However, she admitted that she had made a poor decision, which she now deeply regretted.
She acknowledged that the bag was inappropriate and insensitive, especially in light of her own experience.
The 36-year-old went on to write that she understood the pain and hurt her choice had caused, particularly to others who had been directly impacted by firearm violence.
Angela said that she did not intend to promote firearm violence in any way and offered her deepest apologies.
She also stated that she has lived her life exemplifying “peace, unification and the resolution of [firearm] violence in America,” which she described as a disease.
Her mistake, she wrote, would not define who she is or her commitment to putting an end to the loss of life caused by firearms.
Instead, she would continue “making peace a reality for millions of children and families across America.”
Angela Simmon’s Ex-Fiance’s, Sutton, Loss To Gun Violence
As stated before, it was her own horrific loss due to firearm violence that inspired Angela to start raising awareness.
In November 2018, her ex-fiance Sutton tragically lost his life.
He was attacked in his own garage.
By the time the police got there, it was already too late.
Sutton passed away from his injuries.
He was just 37.
Details On Sutton Tennyson’s Tragic Attack
Three months later, details of the attack on him were shared with the public.
When TMZ obtained the results of his autopsy, it came out that Sutton was actually hit 13 times.
The horrible incident allegedly occurred after an argument broke out between Sutton and another man.
Police told TMZ that he was seen talking in his driveway with the other man before a weapon was pointed at him.
The suspect was said to have then quickly driven away from the scene.
Who Killed Sutton Tennyson?
Eventually, the identity of the man who did it was revealed.
A man named Michael Williams from Atlanta turned himself in to a local police station.
The 44-year-old was taken into custody and charged with multiple felonies, according to People.
Apparently, his lawyer stated that Michael denied all allegations and would fight the case.
However, about four years later, he was sentenced to life in prison.
He was also given an additional 15 years for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Angela’s Reaction To Michael Williams’ Sentencing
Angela soon shared her reaction to the sentencing.
And it was clear that she was happy to see Michael behind bars.
But the way that she reacted to it was still heartbreaking.
She posted a photo of Sutton carrying their young son on his shoulders.
Another picture she posted showed Sutton hugging her baby bump when she was pregnant.
In the caption, she said that justice was served that day.
Next to a heart emoji, she wrote, “we got you”, which seemed to be Angela’s way of talking directly to her baby daddy.
It was obvious how much pain Angela was still in.
Angela Thanks Sutton For Her Greatest Gift
After losing Sutton, she again wrote about her reaction on Instagram.
She started her post by thanking Sutton for leaving behind her greatest gift, in reference to their son.
He was just two years old when he lost his dad.
Angela wrote that she was hurting and numb, before thanking her followers for their outpouring of love.
She finished by stating that she couldn’t believe she was even saying rest in peace to Sutton.
Angela Simmons And Sutton’s Relationship
The couple had actually split in 2017, two months after their son’s birth.
Allegedly, it was a pretty nasty breakup.
In fact, Angela even requested an order of protection, citing DV claims against her ex-fiance.
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But in the years that followed, their relationship seemed to be on the mend.
Sutton was beginning to hope that he would be awarded joint custody of their kid.
After his attacker’s sentencing, Angela opened up about how excited Sutton was to be more of a present dad in their son’s life.
After managing to become close again after so much history, Angela was understandably broken by the loss.
Angela’s Sister, Vanessa, Supported Angela Through Loss
In July 2019, her sister Vanessa spoke about her sister’s struggles.
She was making an appearance at the Create and Cultivate Self Care Summit in Los Angeles, where she was booked to talk about multitasking and juggling motherhood with self-care and a career.
But after such tragic news hit her family, it was impossible not to discuss Angela.
According to Vanessa, Angela was doing okay.
This was 8 months after Sutton lost his life.
Vanessa said that Angela was “good.”
And she added that she was also out in LA, which Vanessa was excited about.
She also said that she was looking forward to having their children spend time together that summer.
When someone asked Vanessa how Angela was coping with the trauma of her loss, Vanessa gave the best answer she could.
She said that “you’ve just got to move forward how you can.”
Vanessa then added that she and the rest of her family were there to support her.
How Angela Was Coping With Loss
Vanessa was also asked if Angela’s reaction to Sutton’s passing would feature in the upcoming season of Growing Up Hip Hop.
At the time, Vanessa could only say that we would have to wait and see.
She explained that it was their real lives, so we would see what came up.
Vanessa went on to say that Angela was just focused on learning to cope and deal with it, as well as learning to raise a strong young man.
She followed this by saying that her sister was doing very, very good as a true single mother doing it on her own.
And that while she had support, things were as good as they could be.
Angela Found Love Again
In the years since, Angela has learned to live with her loss and has even gone on to try and find love after Sutton.
She even started a relationship with rapper Yo Gotti.
Angela has remained a much-loved public figure.
Hopefully, after her lengthy apology, the community will be able to leave her mistake in the past, and everyone will move forward toward promoting peace.
