US actor and musician Jack Black claimed he was “blindsided” by his bandmate Kyle Gass’s controversial remark on stage in Australia, after public backlash forced him to put the group’s “creative plans” on hold indefinitely.

The comedy rock duo Tenacious D, composed of Jack Black and Kyle Gass, was giving a concert in Sydney on Sunday when Gass was presented with a cake for his 64th birthday and Black asked him to “make a wish.”

“Don’t miss Trump next time,” Gass replied, eliciting several bursts of laughter and applause from the audience. Black said “thank you” but later claimed he was “blindsided” by the comment.

The video of the incident went viral, sparking an avalanche of angry reactions. X owner Elon Musk called it “evil,” and United Australia Senator Ralph Babet demanded the band be deported immediately.