Angela Simmons is part of one of the most beloved families in hip-hop. So why does she keep getting so much backlash?
Some of her recent forays into business have been mocked by fans on social media. Last month, she faced criticism for her interesting promotion idea for her collaboration with Oreo.
The cookie company partnered with Angela’s Cakes to release her new Fried Oreo. An ad campaign soon followed which included Angela posing for an unconventional photoshoot.
She posed in a bathtub full of Oreos while enjoying a champagne flute filled with milk. Obviously, the ad was supposed to come across as light-hearted fun, but it didn’t quite get the reaction that was intended. Fans instead thought that what Angela did looked really “cringey.”
Some mocking recreations soon followed. Several comedians parodied the photo.
Kevin Fredericks, for example, posted a picture of himself with just a few Oreos scattered across his body. In the caption, he wrote, “Tried to market like Angela Simmons but I only had one pack of Oreos at home.”
Despite all the jokes being made at Angela’s expense, Oreo made it clear that they stood by their collaborator. The company’s official Instagram page posted that Angela was being hated on and that it was probably due simply to everyone having a crush on her.
The reality TV star quickly responded on her own Instagram Story, saying that she had a crush on Oreo, too. Although she tried to take it on the chin, her clapback just didn’t do much to win people over. The fact is just that there have been so many things Angela’s done recently that have made her a target for mockery.
Angela Now Has a Southern Accent
In July, she made an appearance on The Breakfast Club that once again raised some eyebrows. Charlemagne Tha God, a radio personality known for not holding back on his guests, shone a spotlight on Angela’s accent.
He pointed out that despite Angela being one of New York’s most famous daughters, her accent sounded pretty southern. Angela explained that she thought it was probably down to her man, Yo Gotti. Charlemagne joked that Angela must be releasing a country album, which she took in good humor.
RELATED: Yo Gotti and Angela Simmons Relationship
However, fans thought once again that she was being a little cringe. One commenter said that it showed that she lacked authenticity.
However, others flocked to show Angela some support. One wrote that they did not understand why people were always so critical of Angela, while others said that it was simply because she was a sweet person who people loved to hate.
Angela’s BET Outfit Choice Recieved Major Backlash
Although Angela has supporters out there, there was one recent controversy that nobody took her side on. She found herself in hot water for her choice of fashion accessory at the 2024 BET Awards.
While there were many eye-catching outfits on display, one that attracted the most attention was Angela’s handbag. 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. 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 feelings online.
Angela Understood Her Mistake
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.
RELATED: Angela Simmons Exposed For Controversial Purse
Angela 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. She 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.”
Sutton’s Death Was Tragic
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.
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.
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. He was taken into custody and charged with multiple felonies, according to People.
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 Learned to Live with the Loss
Angela soon shared her reaction to the sentencing. 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 she was still in.
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 now seems to have found happiness with Yo Gotti.
Despite how much flack Angela often receives, no one doubts that she still carries the weight of that tragedy. While her choice of bag at the BET Awards was highly questionable, it wasn’t something people wanted to make fun of.
Though, that doesn’t mean that her bizarre marketing campaigns are safe from critics.
