American rock band Tenacious D have cancelled the rest of their Australia tour after a senator demanded they be deported over a vile remark about the attempted assassination of Donald Trump.
United Australia Party Senator for Victoria Ralph Babet spoke out after band member Kyle Gass was caught on video at the band’s Sydney show on Sunday being asked to make a birthday wish and responding: “Don’t miss Trump next time”.
Senator Babet said in a statement: “Tenacious D should be immediately removed from the country after wishing for the assassination of Donald Trump at their Sydney concert.
“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.”
There is no place in Australia for those who wish for the assassination of others. pic.twitter.com/wuvgQxeeDS
— Senator Babet (@senatorbabet) July 16, 2024
After first cancelling a show set for Tuesday in Newcastle, front man Jack Black then announced the entire tour had been scrapped.
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“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 on social media.
“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.”
Gass also apologised about the remark in a statement posted on his Instagram: “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 apologize to those I’ve let down and truly regret any pain I’ve caused.”
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Senator Babet’s comments come after similar rhetoric about deportations was used by Queensland One Nation Senator Malcolm Roberts in May this year when talking about immigration being the cause of the housing crisis.
Senator Babet’s followers applauded his strong stance on X and thanked him for standing up for Mr Trump.
“It sucks when someone you admire turns out to be a low-value person,” said one.
“Deplorable, unthinkable behaviour. Thank you for this, Senator Babet!” another wrote.
Former prime minister Kevin Rudd, now Australia’s ambassador to the US, also condemned Gass’s remark at the Republican National Congress, saying it had made him “physically sick”.
