Tenacious D guitarist Kyle Gass has deleted his Instagram apology for joke about the shooting incident involving former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Gass was presented with a birthday cake by bandmate Jack Black on stage at a concert in Sydney, Australia on 14 July and asked to make a wish. He replied: "Don't miss Trump next time."
He later apologised on Instagram, writing: "I don't condone violence of any kind, in any form, against anyone. What happened was a tragedy, and I'm incredibly sorry for my severe lack of judgement. I profoundly apologize to those I've let down and truly regret any pain I've caused."
However, he subsequently deleted the apology. His account remains active and it features posts shared more recently than his now withdrawn mea culpa.
His Tenacious D bandmate Jack Black cancelled the group's tour following Gass' remark.
"I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form," Black wrote in a statement. "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."
Trump avoided serious injury after a gunman opened fire at a rally in Pennsylvania. A bullet did, however, pierce his ear. One person was killed and two seriously injured in the incident.
