Gene Simmons
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 07: Shannon Tweed and Gene Simmons attend the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors at The Kennedy Center on December 07, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Taylor Hill/FilmMagic)

In a Wild Interview, Gene Simmons of KISS Asks Reporter if She’s Still Modeling: “I Don’t Model, Sir”

After telling reporter Maritsa Georgiou he won't become clickbait, Gene Simmons goes ahead and does several clickbait-y things.

It's never a dull moment with Gene Simmons. 

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The 76-year-old visited Washington, D.C., to receive a Kennedy Center Honor with KISS, the band he co-founded. He also testified before the Senate on the American Music Fairness Act, a bill that, if passed, would let artists earn royalties from broadcasters who play their music. 

Simmons discussed these experiences with Scripps News anchor Maritsa Geirgiou, and let's just say the 11-minute interview was strange, to say the least. 

Simmons Says He Won't Be A "Clickbait" Headline, Then Engages In "Clickbait" Behavior

After discussing the American Music Fairness Act, Georgiou turned the topic to Simmons' relationship with President Donald Trump. She asked if he was surprised to receive a Kennedy Center Honor, considering his past criticism of Trump. 

Before she's able to finish the question, Simmons interrupts by saying, "You're not going to work on the clickbait stuff because I know that's much more enticing."

Then, as if he were unaware of the definition of irony, he tells Geirgiou he can criticize anyone he damn well pleases. Simmons then lists those with whom he's disagreed through the years, including God "himself or herself" and his own mother. 

Later in the interview, Simmons seems to accuse Geirgiou of trying to get a rise out of him. She tells him she's not. 

"Media would never try to get that headline," he says almost mockingly. "You're in America. Just have a good time. Shut your pie hole and just enjoy the ride."

Simmons Saved His Most Bizarre Comment Until the End

As the interview came to an end, Geirgiou thanked Simmons for his time. He then asked, "By the way, are you still modeling?"

Stunned by the question, she asks, "What?"

Simmons then repeats the question. Geirgiou replies, "I don't model, sir."

"Oh, I assumed," he explains. 

Reporter Clayton Sandell then posted a clip from the interview with the caption: "Look at this super-cool rock star. And also Gene Simmons."

Georgiou commented, "Ohhhh there's so much to say about this encounter. My life is weird." 

You can check out clips from the interview below. 

@scrippsnews

Scripps News spoke with Rock legend Gene Simmons ? iconic bassist, co-founder & co-lead singer of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band KISS ? is heading to Capitol Hill on Tuesday where he?ll testify before the U.S. Senate in support of the American Music Fairness Act, a bill that would close the ?radio loophole? and ensure performers get paid when their music plays on the radio. But instead he stumped our anchor with a question of his own.

? original sound - Scripps News - Scripps News