Australian Senator Ralph Babet, leader of the United Australia Party, has demanded that Jack Black’s band Tenacious D be immediately deported after Kyle Gass, the other half of the duo, made remarks about former President Donald Trump’s recent assassination attempt during a concert in Sydney.
While performing at the Sydney show on Sunday, Gass shared his secret birthday wish with the audience, stating, “Don’t miss Trump next time.” The comment, which referenced the botched assassination attempt that took the life of one rally attendee, was met with mostly laughter and cheers from the 9,000-strong crowd. However, it sparked widespread criticism on social media once a video of the moment was posted online.
Babet has condemned the comments as a serious threat to Trump’s life and has called on Australia’s immigration minister, Andrew Giles, to revoke Tenacious D’s visas. In a letter, Babet wrote, “Tenacious D should be immediately removed from the country after wishing for the assassination of Donald Trump at their Sydney concert.”
He continued, “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.”
The controversy has led to the cancellation of Tenacious D’s Newcastle concert, and it remains unclear whether their remaining four shows in Australia will go ahead as planned.
UPDATE: A representative of Jack Black reached out Tuesday to offer a statement after the comedian’s bandmate joked about Saturday’s assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump. Black said “all future creative plans are on hold.”
“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 the 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.”
