Australian federal senator Ralph Babet has demanded that Tenacious D be deported from the country following remarks made by band member Kyle Gass about an assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump during a performance in Sydney. Gass wished the audience would “not miss Trump next time” after lead singer Jack Black led a rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’. The comments were captured on social media, resulting in widespread condemnation, leading to Senator Babet’s call for deportation.
Senator Babet called Tenacious D’s comments “egregious, disgusting, filthy, evil, and not acceptable in any way, shape or form” and urged Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to “denounce Tenacious D and revoke their visas and deport them immediately”. He added that “anything less than deportation is an endorsement of the shooting and attempted assassination of Donald J. Trump, the 45th and soon-to-be 47th President of the United States.”
Following the Trump assassination attempt, entertainment figures including 50 Cent, M.I.A., Kid Rock, and Freddie Gibbs have aired their reactions, with fans of Lana Del Rey sharing memes online. Trump released a statement after the shooting, saying he was “fine” and thanking Secret Service agents and law enforcement officers for their “rapid response”. He also extended his condolences to the family of the rally attendee who was killed, and the families of those injured.
Senator Babet ended his letter by referencing the recent deportation of tennis player Novak Djokovic, writing that “allowing Tenacious D to remain in Australia after calling for the death of a President is unthinkable, and it affirms the weakness of our current Prime Minister.” The band has yet to respond to the controversy.
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