THE BEAST

Musical comedy duo Tenacious D, led by actor Jack Black, have canceled their Australian tour and paused all creative projects amid heavy criticism following guitarist Kyle Gass’ recent onstage comment about the attempted assassination of Donald Trump.

The controversy began after the band’s performance in Sydney, Australia, on Sunday, July 14th. During the show, Gass received a birthday cake to celebrate his 64th birthday. When asked to make a wish, he responded, “Don’t miss Trump next time.” This comment sparked immediate backlash, leading to calls for action against the band.

Australian Senator Ralph Babet formally requested their deportation from the country, writing on X (formerly Twitter): “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.”

In response to the mounting criticism, Jack Black addressed the issue on Instagram on July 15th, expressing his shock and disappointment. “I was blindsided by my bandmate’s comment,” Black wrote. “I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence of any kind.” He added that after much reflection, the duo has decided to cancel the rest of the Australian tour and put “all future creative plans on hold.”

Kyle Gass also issued a separate statement, acknowledging the inappropriateness of his remark. “The line I improvised onstage Sunday night was highly inappropriate, dangerous, and a terrible mistake,” Gass said. “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.”

The decision to cancel the tour and halt creative activities marks a significant moment for Tenacious D, known for their humorous and often irreverent performances. The band's actions reflect a commitment to addressing the serious nature of the situation and taking responsibility for their words and actions.

As fans and the public await further developments, the future of Tenacious D's activities remains uncertain. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the impact and consequences that words can have, particularly in the realm of political discourse.