Gene Simmons, the co-founder of rock band KISS, the "Family Jewels" TV personality and the man who claims to have bedded 10,000 women, has taken legal action against an ESPN makeup artist who claimed that Simmons assaulted her – and then threatened to sue him for an alleged incident unless he paid her the sum of $185,000 for injuries.
In a complaint filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, Simmons asked the court for a judicial declaration that no assault took place and that ESPN makeup artist Victoria Jackson did not suffer any damages or injuries attributable to him.
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Jackson's allegations involve an appearance by the KISS front man on ESPN SportsCenter, November 2010. Simmons, along with KISS' drummer, Eric Singer, appeared on the show in full KISS costume and make-up just before a KISS concert at Los Angeles' Staples Center, the evening of November 24, 2009.
Two months later, Simmons' received a letter from an attorney claiming to represent Jackson alleging Simmons accosted her during his visit to the ESPN studios.
"...The letter went on to accuse Simmons of supposedly 'humping' Ms. Jackson 'to the extent that she could feel (him) grinding into her" and that as a result she 'suffered from humiliation, shame, embarrassment, anger, anxiety, loss of sleep and depression'. In a follow-up email to Simmons' attorney, Barry E. Mallen of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, Jackson's lawyer demanded Simmons pay Jackson $185,000 by May 14, 2010 in order to avoid a lawsuit..."
Simmons' complaint notes, Simmons and Singer were at the ESPN studios before their appearance on SportsCenter and both were in full costume.
"...Simmons' complaint points out Jackson's claim is unbelievable given that Simmons' heavy costume is like a suit of armor, particularly around his groin area, making it impossible for Simmons to have done the kind of grinding that Jackson claims to have experienced...".Click the images to enlarge…
