Entertainment
Should Performers Be Held Accountable For Dangerous Comments About Political Figures?
Should Performers Be Held Accountable For Dangerous Comments About Political Figures?
Here’s The Scoop
Kyle Gass of Tenacious D recently issued an apology for a deeply troubling comment he made regarding an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. During a performance in Australia, Gass shockingly quipped, “Don’t miss Trump next time,” less than 24 hours after a shooter targeted Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. This cowardly attack injured Trump and left one supporter dead, injuring two others.
Gass quickly tried to walk back his reprehensible statement, calling it “highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake,” according to Variety. “I don’t condone violence of any kind, in any form, against anyone,” Gass insisted.
The backlash was immediate and fierce. Even Jack Black, Gass’ Tenacious D bandmate known for his comedic antics, distanced himself. “I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form,” Black stated. “After much reflection, I no longer feel it is appropriate to continue the Tenacious D tour, and all future creative plans are on hold. I am grateful to the fans for their support and understanding.”
Gass’ irresponsible comments have had serious consequences. His talent agency, Greene Talent, cut ties with him, according to TMZ.
Meanwhile, former President Trump addressed the nation via Truth Social.
“Our love goes out to the other victims and their families. We pray for the recovery of those who were wounded, and hold in our hearts the memory of the citizen who was so horribly killed,” Trump wrote.
He continued with a powerful message of unity and resilience, emphasizing the need for Americans to remain “Strong and Determined” and to not allow “Evil to Win.”
As the country grapples with this disturbing incident, it is crucial to remember the importance of words and the impact they can have in these highly charged times.
What do you think? Let us know by participating in our poll, or join the discussion in the comment section below!
William Davis
July 21, 2024 at 12:07 pm
Glad Jack doesn’t support violence or hate speech. Tenacious D is still off my Playlist, however. Doesn’t matter what your politics are, condoning , promoting, or calling for political violence is fucked up, from either side
Don
July 25, 2024 at 8:38 am
Absolutely true but making comments about the deep state is only telling the truth.
Alice Ortiz
July 22, 2024 at 11:43 pm
I think they should be punished but I believe that is a slippery hill. Because comments can be construed to be hate speech if it is twisted. However they should be held accountable in some way.
Don
July 25, 2024 at 8:39 am
Very true for those using hate speech.
Scotty
July 25, 2024 at 7:06 am
No, unless it is a threat
R. Earl
July 25, 2024 at 7:48 am
A very slippery slope here! Laws against so called hate speech are the camel’s nose under the tent leading to the current attempts at censorship.
Don
July 25, 2024 at 8:40 am
Exactly.
Sam Houston
July 26, 2024 at 8:31 am
very true. Whee do you draw the line though. A person has the right to speak their mind but to broadcast those views to God only knows how many people can lead to raidical out comes. Maybe make them financially liable for thier actions would be in order to make them think twice before launching into a radical or suggestive diatribe should be in order.
Colten irons
July 25, 2024 at 8:29 am
“While J. W. Booth was certainly not the originator of politics as a full contact sport, he did manage to give it a public face in political theater (pardon the pun). By now we all know, or suspect that the performance of July 13th was beyond any reasonable doubt played by nefarious actors at the expense of another ‘patsy’. The facts as they are beginning to emerge point directly to shadowy backstage managers. In my not so humble opinion, we the paying public, will never know the full script, who wrote it, or who directed those actors, (who gave the order). What we can deduce is that the curtain has not come down on the final performance. The show must go on?”
Colten Irons
Dakotahjoe
July 25, 2024 at 10:45 am
That is a lot of speculation. Conspiracy theories are rarely true. If true the results may not satisfy you. Or probably lead to another conspiracy theory until they get to anything you currently believe.
Sarah Lucas
July 26, 2024 at 8:35 am
Or rather “the show will go on” regardless of what is done about it. That is the problem today, peoples actions no matter how distasteful, illegal, or vial they are are only exceeded by tomorrows actions. The Gene has been let out of the bottle and barring any drastic or Martial actions it will never be put back in again.
Sam Houston
July 26, 2024 at 8:38 am
Or rather “the show will go on” regardless of what is done about it. That’s the problem today, peoples actions no matter how distasteful, illegal, or vial they have become are only exceeded by tomorrows actions. The Gene has been let out of the bottle and barring any drastic or Martial actions it will never be put back in again
Dan Heartsill
July 25, 2024 at 12:25 pm
I don’t like what many performers say in the political area. However we do still have freedom of speech unless it is a clear threat on someone. If they stop performers from making comments then we are next. May as well live in Russia or China. We are losing freedom one small piece at a time as it is.