Simmons takes legal action over sex tape

Kiss star Gene Simmons has begun legal action over a sex tape that claims to feature the rocker.

A tape allegedly including Simmons sleeping with an Austrian energy drink spokesmodel became available to buy online earlier this week.

In a statement on his official website, the singer thanked his fans for their messages of support and revealed that he had started talks with his legal team.

He said: "Hi everyone. You may have heard or seen garbage that has sprung up from my past.

"Rest assured the proper legal team is looking at all ramifications and options.

"Once again, thank you (and I can't say it enough) for your overwhelming support for the family and myself. Your emails have been gracious and I am humbled. Onward. Today is a new day."

Simmons, who claims to have slept with nearly 5,000 women, has lived with movie star Shannon Tweed since 1985, but they have never married.