|
A
video widely shared on social media from the concert in Sydney
on Sunday showed Gass being presented with a birthday cake and
Black urging him to make a wish. Gass then seemed to say "don't
miss Trump next time" before blowing out the candles.
Trump was shot in the ear during a campaign rally in
Pennsylvania on Saturday, which the FBI is probing as an
assassination attempt. The former president has since attended
the Republican National Convention with a thick bandage over his
right ear.
Gass on Tuesday apologised on Instagram for his "severe lack of
judgment" and said the comments were inappropriate, dangerous
and a terrible mistake. Black said he was "blindsided" by the
comments and that he 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," Black said.
Black, who has starred in School of Rock, The Holiday and
Jumanji and was the leading voice role in the Kung Fu Panda
animated movies, has been a vocal supporter of Joe Biden and had
attended a re-election fundraiser event for him in June.
Tenacious D was formed in 1994 by Gass and Black in Los Angeles
where the duo performed their "mock rock" routines in local
bars. Their show in Newcastle on Tuesday was cancelled and they
were scheduled to perform in Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide,
and in New Zealand later this month, before the tour was
cancelled.
Gass's comments drew strong rebuke from Australian politicians
including Australia's ambassador to the U.S. Kevin Rudd, who
said people joking about violence made him feel sick and that
they must "grow up and find a decent job."
Senator Ralph Babet of the United Australia party said the band
should be deported immediately.
(Reporting by Renju Jose in Sydney; Editing by Michael Perry)
[© 2024 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.
|
|
