A frontman for the comedy duo Tenacious D recently expressed a desire for former President Donald Trump to be assassinated.
Kyle Gass, who has performed with his bandmate Jack Black since 1994, made his comments at a concert in Sydney, Australia on Sunday.
On Saturday, Trump was struck by a bullet after a sniper fired shots at the former president during a rally in Pennsylvania. Though Trump only suffered damage to his right ear, two others, including the shooter, were killed.
Video footage from the concert shows Black singing “Happy Birthday” to Gass, who’s offered a cake by a large robot-like figure.
After Black encourages his bandmate to make a wish, Gass replies, “Don’t miss Trump next time.” "Don't miss miss Trump next time" - Tenacious D bandpic.twitter.com/swpUOzTyYe
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) July 15, 2024
Though the audience generally appeared to laugh in response, some members can be heard voicing disapproval.
“You could hear a couple of ‘oohhs’ — like too soon sort of vibes — but the vast majority was laughter,” an audience member told Yahoo News.
The outlet pointed out that Black was critical of Trump during a 2017 interview with Conan O’Brien.
When asked if the band’s “I’m the best and everything I do is amazing schtick” influenced the former president, Black agreed.
“In fact, I feel Donald Trump saw a Tenacious D concert, because that’s our whole thing, just like we are the greatest band in the world, no one can touch us, we are the best,” he said. “And he just saw us and said, ‘I’m going to use that technique. I’m the greatest president. I got all the greatest people…’ and then he used it and became president.
“And now, when we go out and perform Tenacious D, I always have like, a little twinge of guilt, because it’s like this evil f---ing warlock stole our magic, but just took out all the irony. And it worked and now he’s destroying the universe,” Black added.
Last month, Black endorsed President Joe Biden at a fundraiser in Hollywood.
“My president needs me,” said the actor, who donned a “Dark Biden” t-shirt and American flag overalls.
“And when the president wins in November, I’m pretty sure I’m gonna get a sweet shoutout in his victory speech for what I gave up to be here,” he joked. “Because when democracy is at stake, Jack Black answers the call. Mr. President, you’re welcome.” Let’s gooooooooooooo!!!!!! https://t.co/6hkSPDp5bj
— Jack Black (@jackblack) June 18, 2024
The concert footage was widely denounced by conservative accounts on X, some of which referred to Gass’ comments as “evil and sick,” “twisted and vile,” and referred to Gass as “garbage.”
Neither Black nor Gass have commented on the viral video.
Editor’s Note: A previous version of this article mistakenly claimed that the concert took place on Saturday, not Sunday.
