The iconic bassist and vocalist of Kiss, Gene Simmons, surprised fans and the online community by announcing on Monday morning his departure from Twitter/X, stating that he will cease all activity on the social media platform owned by Elon Musk. This decision, conveyed in a final message on his personal social network, follows months of mounting frustration with what he characterized as “a platform rife with hatred and misinformation.” The announcement has garnered over 3 million views on X, accompanied by the hashtag #GeneleAvesx, and has sparked a range of reactions, from support to criticism, as discussions unfold regarding the implications of such a move by a prominent rock figure.

At 75 years old, Simmons has been known for his vigorous engagement on social media, where he frequently interacted with fans, provided updates about Kiss, and shared his views on political and cultural matters. However, in his farewell statement, he was unequivocal: “I am leaving Twitter/X. I can no longer tolerate the hatred, falsehoods, and irresponsibility present here. Elon Musk may have his vision, but I do not share it. I will see you elsewhere.” The musician, who had amassed over 800,000 followers on the platform, deactivated his account shortly after this announcement, leaving fans without one of their primary channels of connection to their idol.

Simmons’ departure comes amid escalating criticism of X since Musk’s acquisition of the platform in 2022. In recent years, X has been embroiled in controversy over changes to its content moderation policies, which, according to Simmons and others, have facilitated the spread of hate speech and misinformation. By 2024, Simmons had already voiced his dissatisfaction with the platform, publicly denouncing the removal of verified account checks and the rise of bots. His exit appears to be the culmination of a deteriorating relationship with X, particularly following Musk’s promotion of conspiracy theories that Simmons labeled as “dangerous” in a recent interview with Rolling Stone.The reactions on X were swift and divided. Fans of Kiss expressed their disappointment regarding Simmons, with @kissfan2025 commenting, “Gene is a legend, and X doesn’t deserve it. I will miss your updates!” Conversely, some users criticized the choice, such as @xdefender2025, who remarked, “If he can’t handle the heat, he should step out. X is about freedom of expression, not about catering to everyone.” There are speculations that Simmons may transition to alternative platforms like Bluesky or Threads, which have become popular among celebrities who have departed from X in recent years, including figures like Elton John and Whoopi Goldberg.

Simmons’ exit also prompts discussions about the implications of public figures leaving X. Despite Musk’s promotion of the platform as a bastion of “absolute freedom of expression,” the departure of high-profile celebrities could potentially impact the user base and advertising revenue of X, which has seen significant declines since 2023, as reported by Forbes. Furthermore, Simmons, known for his outspoken views on social issues, may be indicating a broader trend among artists seeking platforms that better reflect their values.

As Simmons moves on from X, fans are eager to discover where he will next establish his online presence. Kiss, which concluded their farewell tour End of the Road in 2023, continues to engage in media projects, and Simmons has assured his followers that he will maintain connections beyond X. This shift could represent a pivotal moment for Musk’s platform, which is currently navigating an uncertain future amid increasing controversy.