Tenacious D bandmate's controversial comment about Trump assassination attempt sparks outrage and tour cancellation.
Tenacious D's Kyle Gass is facing backlash after making a joke about the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump during a performance in Sydney, Australia. The incident occurred just one day after Trump was shot in the ear at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Gass, who turned 64 on Sunday, was presented with a birthday cake by his bandmate Jack Black. Black asked Gass to make a wish before blowing out the candles, to which Gass replied, "Don't miss Trump next time." The comment was met with criticism online, with fans taking to social media to condemn Gass' remarks and defend the former president.
The gunman who attempted to assassinate Trump was identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. Crooks was shot and killed by Secret Service snipers after firing several shots from a nearby manufacturing plant.
In response to the backlash, Black issued a statement to The Post, revealing that the band is postponing the rest of its shows on its "Spicy Meatball Tour." Black stated that he was "blindsided" by Gass' comment and that he would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form.
Gass also issued an apology on Instagram, calling his comment a "terrible mistake" and expressing his regret for his "severe lack of judgement."
However, the controversy has not been limited to social media. Ralph Babet, a member of the right-wing United Australia Party, has called for both members of the band to be "deported immediately." Babet condemned Gass' comment and called it "disgusting, filthy, evil, and not acceptable in any way, shape or form."
Black is an outspoken supporter of President Biden, having delivered a speech at a fundraiser for Biden's re-election campaign last month. However, the controversy surrounding Gass' comment has raised questions about the band's political leanings and their commitment to promoting peace and unity.
As investigators continue to search for a motive behind the attempted assassination of Trump, the controversy surrounding Gass' comment serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible speech and the consequences of promoting violence, even in jest.
Sources:
nypost.comnypost.comtime.com