Kiss Settles Wrongful Termination Lawsuit

Kiss members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley have settled a wrongful termination lawsuit brought by their former hairstylist, David Mathews, who claimed he was fired in retaliation for raising concerns about COVID-19 safety protocols. The case was resolved just weeks before a scheduled trial, with details of the settlement remaining undisclosed. Mathews alleged he was wrongfully dismissed after being accused of leaking information about the band's health measures, which came into question following the death of guitar technician Fran Stueber due to COVID complications. The Los Angeles Superior Court judge had warned both parties of the risks involved in going to trial, suggesting a settlement was a rational choice given the potential for large financial consequences. Mathews also claimed he was owed unpaid wages and overtime. The settlement follows a series of lawsuits related to the band's COVID-19 protocols, reflecting ongoing scrutiny of their safety measures during the pandemic.