<\/p>\n
\n\tKyle Gass of Tenacious D<\/a> has deleted his Instagram apology following intense backlash<\/a> over a controversial comment about former U.S. President Donald Trump<\/a> during the band\u2019s Sydney concert. <\/p>\n \n\tThe incident, which occurred on July 14, has had major repercussions for both Gass and the band.<\/p>\n \n\tDuring the performance at Sydney\u2019s ICC Sydney Theatre, Jack Black presented Gass with a birthday cake onstage. <\/p>\n \n\tWhen asked to make a wish, Gass quipped, \u201cDon\u2019t miss Trump next time,\u201d referencing a recent assassination attempt on the former president. The remark, which initially drew laughter from the audience, quickly sparked widespread criticism.<\/p>\n \n\tIn response to the uproar, Gass initially apologized on Instagram, stating, \u201cI don\u2019t condone violence of any kind, in any form, against anyone. What happened was a tragedy, and I\u2019m incredibly sorry for my severe lack of judgment. I profoundly apologize to those I\u2019ve let down and truly regret any pain I\u2019ve caused.\u201d However, this apology has since been removed from his account.<\/p>\n \n\tThe fallout from Gass\u2019s joke led to a domino effect that saw Gass dropped by his agent<\/a>, and the remainder of Tenacious D\u2019s tour was canceled. Jack Black, Gass\u2019s bandmate, issued a statement expressing regret and announcing the halt of all future Tenacious D activities. Black\u2019s post, which remains on his Instagram, reads:<\/p>\n \n\t\u201cI was blindsided by what was said at the show on Sunday. I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form. \u201c<\/p>\n \n\tHe continued, \u201cAfter 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.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tFrontier 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\u2019s five scheduled U.S. shows in October remains uncertain.<\/p>\n \n\tEven Australia\u2019s former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd<\/a> has become embroiled in the drama, telling news.com.au<\/a> this week, \u201cIt makes me feel sick someone would joke about violence. Physically ill. People might think it\u2019s a bit of \u2018funny haha\u2019 at a concert to run off at the mouth off about this stuff.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\t\u201cIt\u2019s not,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s about threats to physical life; it\u2019s about the near assassination of a former and prospective President of the United States, depending on the votes of the American people. It\u2019s about the murder of innocent civilians and two people being seriously wounded.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tRudd added, \u201cThese people need to grow up and find a decent job\u201d.<\/p>\n \n\tUnited Australia Party Senator Ralph Babet also called on the Australian federal government to deport Tenacious D in the wake of Gass\u2019s comment.<\/p>\n \n\t\u201cI 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,\u201d Babet said in a statement.<\/p>\n \n\tAs of now, Gass\u2019s most recent Instagram post features a video of a flight over Sydney Harbour with the cheeky caption: \u201cBirthday helicopter ride around Sydney Harbour, hours before the storm.\u201d <\/p>\n