Tenacious D frontman Jack Black has canceled their sold-out Australian tour after his bandmate, Kyle Gass, said he hopes for another assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump.
Roughly 24 hours after a failed assassination attempt on former president Trump, who is running for re-election, the comedy band duo were performing in Sydney, Australia when Black sang happy birthday to Gass and asked him to make a wish.
Without skipping a beat Gass then said “Don’t miss Trump next time,” which was followed by a long pause from Black, who then said “Thank you.” Here’s a video from the exchange:
“Tenacious D should be immediately removed from the country after wishing for the assassination of Donald Trump at their Sydney concert,” Babet said. “I condemn in the strongest possible way the call to political violence by Tenacious D in Sydney on Sunday.”
It’s worth noting that it’s a federal crime to wish for death or threaten a current or former US President under United States Code Title 18, Section 871. Regardless of whether or not the comment was meant to be a joke or not, Aussie senator Babet isn’t laughing and said it wasn’t a joke.
“This was not a joke, he was deadly serious when he wished for the death of the President,” Babet said. “To advocate and or wish for the assassination of a President is egregious, disgusting, filthy, evil, and not acceptable in any way, shape, or form.”
After widespread blowback online and reports of numerous venues canceling future tour date locations for Tenacious D, both of the band’s frontmen took to social media to end the tour, and seemingly the band altogether:
“I was blindsided by what was said at the show on Sunday. I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form,” Black said in a statement. “After much reflection, I no longer feel it is appropriate to continue the Tenacious D tour, and all future creative plans are on hold. I am grateful to the fans for their support and understanding.”
Jack’s bandmate Kyle Gass also issued an apology statement, saying “The line I improvised onstage Sunday night in Sydney was highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake. I don’t condone violence of any kind, in any form, against anyone. What happened was a tragedy, and I’m incredibly sorry for my severe lack of judgement. I profoundly apologize to those I’ve let down and truly regret any pain I’ve caused.”
Jack Black got his initial success with Tenacious D but went on to star in numerous Hollywood films, as well as providing his voice for popular animated film like Kung-Fu Panda (as its title character) and even Nintendo’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie. He also starred as the main protagonist of Eddie Riggs in the excellent 2009 action-adventure game Brütal Legend.
