Tenacious D Gets Massive Backlash Following Trump Assassination Comment

Tenacious D is facing significant backlash from both fans and government officials following Kyle Gass‘ controversial onstage remarks in Australia, where he wished for the assassination of U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump.

One Australian Senator has gone as far as calling for Immigration Minister Andrew Giles to “revoke [Tenacious D’s] visas and deport them immediately” due to these comments. Furthermore, Tenacious D has postponed their scheduled July 16 concert in Newcastle without explanation. In light of this, Jack Black has issued a statement addressing the situation and the band’s future.

Tenacious D’s Onstage Remarks Ignite Controversy

During a recent performance at the ICC Sydney Theatre, Tenacious D celebrated Gass’ 64th birthday. As part of the celebration, Jack Black, who has publicly endorsed Joe Biden for a second term as U.S. president, presented Gass with a birthday cake. When Black invited Gass to make a birthday wish, he controversially responded, “Don’t miss Trump next time.” Despite initial surprise, Black quickly supported his bandmate’s remarks.

This incident occurred just a day after a shooting incident involving Trump in Pennsylvania. Trump was grazed by a bullet fired by 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, who also killed one rally attendee and injured two others before being fatally shot by Secret Service agents.

Tenacious D Faces Backlash and Deportation Threat

The backlash against Tenacious D has been swift and severe. Known for their comedic style, the band’s involvement in real-world political discourse has previously included raising funds for gun safety in the U.S. However, Gass’ recent remarks have been widely condemned as inciting political violence.

Australian Senator Ralph Babet has been particularly vocal, issuing a public statement demanding the deportation of Tenacious D’s members and the revocation of their visas. Babet stated:

“I condemn in the strongest possible way the call to political violence by Tenacious D in Sydney on Sunday.
“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. This was not a joke, he was deadly serious when he wished for the death of the President.”

Who Is Australian Senator Ralph Babet?

Babet, a conservative member of the United Australia Party, was elected to the Australian Senate as a representative of Victoria in 2022. His recent posts on social media have heavily focused on U.S. politics and extreme right-wing versus extreme left-wing discourse. Babet has also propagated several unfounded conspiracy theories regarding the attempted assassination of Trump, suggesting it was an “inside job” by the Biden administration.

The Senator has made inflammatory comments about left-wing extremism and criticized diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, attributing the Secret Service’s response to DEI policies. He even shared a post mocking a Secret Service agent, inferring that traditional gender roles and rugged masculinity would have led to a more effective response. Trump, however, has publicly praised the swift actions of the Secret Service agents who protected him during the shooting.

Jack Black Responds to Controversy in New Statement

In response to the controversy, Jack Black has released a statement condemning Gass’ comments. “I was blindsided by Gass’ birthday wish — a wish I thanked him for onstage,” Black said. “I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form.” He also announced that “after much reflection,” Tenacious D’s “future creative plans are on hold.”

Black concluded by expressing gratitude to the fans for their support and understanding during this turbulent time. Comments on his statement have been disabled on Instagram, indicating the sensitivity and seriousness of the situation. The band’s future remains uncertain as they navigate the fallout from this incident.