***UPDATED***
A rock group and Hollywood actor is facing calls for Australian officials to deport them back to the United States.
The renowned rock duo Tenacious D recently found themselves in a whirlwind of controversy following a comment made by Kyle Gass during a live performance. The band, consisting of Gass, 64, and Jack Black, 54, was performing at the ICC Sydney Theatre in Australia when Gass made a remark about the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.
During the performance, Jack Black presented a birthday cake to Gass and asked him to make a wish. Gass responded, “Don’t miss Trump next time,” which elicited laughter from the audience but sparked outrage online. Fans quickly took to social media to criticize Gass for his comment, labeling it as “extremely poor taste” and “shameful.”
The backlash was swift and intense. Many condemned Gass for seemingly advocating violence against the former president. The incident occurred just a day after Trump was shot in the ear at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, by a 20-year-old assailant who was subsequently killed by Secret Service snipers.
In response to the controversy, Jack Black issued a statement to the press, expressing his shock and disappointment. He announced that Tenacious D would be postponing the remainder of their “Spicy Meatball Tour” and putting all future creative plans on hold. Black emphasized that he does not condone hate speech or political violence in any form.
BREAKING: Jack Black and Tenacious D are halting all future shows after bandmate Kyle Gass said on stage he wishes Trump was shot and k*lled.
In a new statement, Black says he was blindsided by the statement and was postponing shows.
“I was blindsided by what was said at the… pic.twitter.com/T1B5iDA3WT
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) July 16, 2024
Jack Black releases statement after the despicable on-stage moment where bandmate Kyle Gass said “don’t miss Trump next time.” pic.twitter.com/RhBCS1zERP
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) July 16, 2024
“After much reflection?” Really, his publicists called and said his butt better start apologizing or he’s going to end up like Kathy Griffin.
Kyle Gass also took to Instagram to apologize for his comment, acknowledging that it was highly inappropriate and a severe lapse in judgment. He expressed deep regret for any pain he caused and reiterated his stance against violence.
Tenacious D’s Kyle Gass has released a statement apologizing for his comments on the attempted assassination of President Trump. pic.twitter.com/lJqTBJ00ts
— Catch Up (@CatchUpFeed) July 16, 2024
Folks, they aren’t panicking about what they said. They are freaking out about what it could do to their career.
The fact that they canceled the tour so fast makes you wonder if they were told venues were going to cancel them and are giving them the chance to get out ahead of things.
UPDATE: Looks like that may have been the correct assessment. Kyle Gass has been dropped from his talent agency following his remarks.
The controversy attracted political attention as well. Senator Ralph Babet of the United Australia Party condemned Gass’s comment and called for the immediate deportation of both band members. Babet described the remark as egregious and unacceptable, urging that anything less than deportation would be an endorsement of the attempted assassination.
In the wake of the incident, Tenacious D’s concert in Newcastle, Australia, was postponed. Ticket holders were advised to hold onto their tickets until further notice. Frontier Touring, the company producing the tour, announced the postponement.
Adding to the political context, Jack Black, an outspoken supporter of President Joe Biden, had recently participated in a high-profile fundraiser for Biden’s re-election campaign. The event, attended by celebrities such as Barack Obama, Jimmy Kimmel, George Clooney, and Julia Roberts, raised over $30 million. During his speech, Black humorously pledged his support for Biden’s campaign.
