Rock comedy duo Tenacious D is facing backlash after a contentious remark about former President Donald Trump at their recent Sydney concert. The incident, which occurred just a day after Trump survived an assassination attempt, has raised eyebrows and potential legal questions.
During the show, a band member reportedly shouted, “don’t miss Trump next time.” While it’s unclear who made the comment, some sources point to Kyle Gass.
This statement isn’t just in poor taste – it potentially crosses a legal line. U.S. federal law prohibits threats against presidents, including former ones.
Jack Black went on stage with his band over the weekend and his bandmate said "don't miss Trump next time" to laughs from the audience.
A month ago, he was a featured speaker at Biden's fundraiser in Los Angeles.
"We must come together" indeed. pic.twitter.com/HGlNTlzure
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) July 15, 2024
Tenacious D co-founder Jack Black, known for voicing Kung Fu Panda, has been politically active lately. He performed at a Hollywood fundraiser for President Biden in June, alongside stars like George Clooney and Julia Roberts. Black wore a “Dark Brandon” t-shirt, showing his support for the current administration.
However, celebrity political allegiances can shift quickly. Just last week, Clooney pulled his Biden endorsement, citing concerns about the president’s debate performance with several other Hollywood elites jumping on board.
My friend George Clooney has clearly expressed what many of us have been saying. We love and respect Joe Biden. We acknowledge all he has done for our country. But Democracy is facing an existential threat. We need someone younger to fight back. Joe Biden must step aside.…
— Rob Reiner (@robreiner) July 10, 2024
Black’s own political journey has had its twists. In 2020, he initially backed Senator Elizabeth Warren, using Tenacious D to criticize Trump. Black said he wanted to “save the world from Trumpian destruction.” But as Democrats rallied around Biden, Black fell in line with the party’s choice.
The Sydney incident isn’t isolated. In recent years, some Hollywood figures have used increasingly violent language about Trump. This trend blurs the line between political commentary and potentially dangerous speech.
The Democrats know they are in trouble as Trump’s popularity is surging since the assassination attempt Saturday. How that plays out in the political rhetoric landscape remains to be seen.
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Regardless of political views, suggesting violence against current or former presidents ethically and morally reprehensible.
