This week, the well-known musical duo Tenacious D has come into the spotlight for the wrong reasons.
During a live performance, band member Kyle Gass made a controversial joke about former President Donald Trump just after an assassination attempt against him, Fox News reported.
The incident occurred during a concert on July 14, where Gass commented on the recent attempt on Trump's life following a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump, a key political figure, emerged unscathed from an event that tragically resulted in one fatality and left two others critically injured. Gass's remark, "Don't miss Trump next time," was received with mixed reactions, sparking laughter and applause among the crowd but later igniting a significant backlash online.
Following Kyle Gass's comment, social media erupted in disapproval. Notable figures, including entrepreneur Elon Musk and filmmaker Robby Starbuck, swiftly condemned the joke. Musk described the comment as "Contemptible," highlighting the severity of the backlash.
The controversy escalated on platforms like Twitter, where tens of thousands of interactions observed the criticism. Many users expressed their disappointment and anger toward the band, linking their reaction to Jack Black's recent participation in a high-profile fundraiser for Joe Biden, which some interpreted as a sign of political bias.
Amid the uproar, Chris Loesch, a Twitter user, vocalized his disapproval with notable intensity, signaling a broader sentiment among many former fans: Robby Starbuck mentioned, "Wow. Jack Black laughs as his friend makes a birthday wish that they 'don't miss Trump next time.' Jack was just Joe Biden's guest of honor and speaker at his Hollywood fundraiser. Biden supporters are inciting another attempt to assassinate President Trump. Evil and sick."
Elon Musk and filmmaker Robby Starbuck openly criticized the incident, thereby casting a giant spotlight on it. Consequently, their remarks encapsulated the broader public and media response to Gass's off-color joke.
Moreover, according to Fox News Digital, despite the overwhelming negative backlash, Tenacious D's press agents have not issued any response. Consequently, the lack of an official statement from the band has only fueled the continuing discourse surrounding the event.
Additionally, the fallout from the remark mirrors the severity of the assassination attempt it referenced. Specifically, the shooting at the Trump campaign rally not only endangered the former president but also resulted in direct casualties. This makes Gass's comment appear particularly insensitive in light of the violence.
In response to the incident, Chris Loesch expressed his disappointment, stating, "I used to love @tenaciousd and thought Jack Black was funny. None of them or their music/movies will ever be played in our home again. Ever, Sickening. Not funny and done in a foreign country is even worse. If you think it's OK, unfollow and block me."
Tenacious D's controversial joke about not missing Trump in an assassination attempt has thrown Jack Black and Kyle Gass into a maelstrom of political and social division. Consequently, the polarized reactions from the public regarding political figures and their safety highlight the incident's impact. Moreover, as the story unfolds, various sectors' reactions suggest that the incident will not be quickly forgotten, especially in an era of heightened political sensitivities.
Furthermore, the controversy surrounding Tenacious D serves as a reminder of the powerful impact that celebrities can have on political discourse. Additionally, the backlash against Gass's remark underscores the broad expectation for public figures to demonstrate responsibility and awareness, particularly in turbulent political times.
In conclusion, Tenacious D faces significant backlash following Kyle Gass's controversial joke. Moreover, widespread criticism across social media and from public figures highlights the incident, occurring just after a real-life assassination attempt on Trump, sparking a significant discussion on the intersection of celebrity influence and political discourse. As the situation develops, the public awaits further responses from those involved.