Kyle Gass of Tenacious D has deleted his Instagram apology following intense backlash over a controversial comment about former U.S. President Donald Trump during the band’s Sydney concert.
The incident, which occurred on July 14, has had major repercussions for both Gass and the band.
During the performance at Sydney’s ICC Sydney Theatre, Jack Black presented Gass with a birthday cake onstage.
When asked to make a wish, Gass quipped, “Don’t miss Trump next time,” referencing a recent assassination attempt on the former president. The remark, which initially drew laughter from the audience, quickly sparked widespread criticism.
In response to the uproar, Gass initially apologized on Instagram, stating, “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 judgment. I profoundly apologize to those I’ve let down and truly regret any pain I’ve caused.” However, this apology has since been removed from his account.
The fallout from Gass’s joke led to a domino effect that saw Gass dropped by his agent, and the remainder of Tenacious D’s tour was canceled. Jack Black, Gass’s bandmate, issued a statement expressing regret and announcing the halt of all future Tenacious D activities. Black’s post, which remains on his Instagram, reads:
“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. “
He continued, “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.”
Frontier Touring has canceled six shows in Australia and New Zealand, including stops in Newcastle, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Wellington, and Auckland. The status of Tenacious D’s five scheduled U.S. shows in October remains uncertain.
Even Australia’s former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has become embroiled in the drama, telling news.com.au this week, “It makes me feel sick someone would joke about violence. Physically ill. People might think it’s a bit of ‘funny haha’ at a concert to run off at the mouth off about this stuff.”
“It’s not,” he said. “It’s about threats to physical life; it’s about the near assassination of a former and prospective President of the United States, depending on the votes of the American people. It’s about the murder of innocent civilians and two people being seriously wounded.”
Rudd added, “These people need to grow up and find a decent job”.
United Australia Party Senator Ralph Babet also called on the Australian federal government to deport Tenacious D in the wake of Gass’s comment.
“I call on the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese to join me in denouncing Tenacious D, Jack Black, and band member Kyle Gass, and I call on the Immigration Minister Andrew Giles to revoke their visas and deport them immediately,” Babet said in a statement.
As of now, Gass’s most recent Instagram post features a video of a flight over Sydney Harbour with the cheeky caption: “Birthday helicopter ride around Sydney Harbour, hours before the storm.”