Pepper's comments come as Down's scheduled show in their hometown of New Orleans' Civic Theatre on February 8 was pulled by organizers who say they "do not tolerate intolerant behavior, and there is no room for that in our venue or our city."

Guitarist Keenan says: "I am saddened and confused by the behaviour of Philip Anselmo last week. I do not condone what was gestured and said. This lapse in judgment of 'making a joke' was in terribly poor taste and unacceptable.