Tenacious D’s Kyle Gass has deleted his apology post regarding comments he made following the assassination attempt on Donald Trump.
Last Sunday (July 14), a day after the assassination attempt on the former president of the US, Tenacious D were playing a show in Sydney, Australia. As it was also Gass’ 64th birthday, his bandmate Jack Black sang him ‘Happy Birthday’ on stage before asking him to make a wish. In response, Gass said, “Don’t miss Trump next time.”
The comment sparked controversy, with an Australian politician calling for the duo to be deported from the country and reports that his agency had dropped him. Both TMZ and The Hollywood Reporter claimed that Michael Greene of Greene & Associates Talent Agency is no longer representing the guitarist as a result of Gass’ comment.
Writing on Instagram, Gass initially apologised 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 apologise to those I’ve let down and truly regret any pain I’ve caused.”
Now, however, that post appears to have been deleted. NME has reached out to representatives of Gass for comment.
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Following the incident, the band cancelled the remainder of the tour and went on hiatus following a statement from the band’s Jack Black. He said he was “blindsided” by Gass’ comment, and added: “I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form.
“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.”
Tenacious D were due to play another six shows on their tour of Australia and New Zealand, before a series of dates in North America in October.
Following the Trump assassination attempt, many figures in the entertainment world shared their reactions, including 50 Cent, M.I.A., Kid Rock, and Freddie Gibbs, while fans of Lana Del Rey also shared memes online.
50 Cent is also rumoured to be making an appearance at the Republican National Convention at some point this week after Trump was formally nominated as the presidential candidate for the GOP this week (July 15).