Simmons denies makeup artist's claims

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LOS ANGELES, June 4 (UPI) -- Rock star and TV personality Gene Simmons is denying claims by a makeup artist who said he assaulted her while visiting ESPN studios in Los Angeles.

Victoria Jackson filed a lawsuit against Simmons in Los Angeles Superior Court May 27, demanding the KISS frontman pay her $500,000 in damages for an assault Simmons said never took place.

Jackson said Simmons sexually assaulted her by grinding against her when he was in the ESPN studio to appear on "ESPN SportsCenter" before a KISS concert last November.

Simmons denies this could have happened since he was wearing full KISS makeup and costume, including a codpiece, at the time of the alleged incident.

"I have no idea who this woman is and I deny her allegations," Simmons said in a statement Friday. "I was only at the ESPN studios for a very short time, perhaps a half-hour, and was accompanied by KISS' drummer Eric Singer the entire time. I will not stand by and allow this baseless allegation to go unchallenged."

"Gene denies that any assault took place or that Ms. Jackson suffered any injuries attributable to any action on his part," Simmons' attorney, Barry E. Mallen, said. "Mr. Simmons intends to defend himself aggressively and he looks forward to refuting Ms. Jackson's charges in the courtroom."