Jack Black doesn’t want to continue touring after his Tenacious D bandmate Kyle Gass made a controversial comment about the attempt on Donald Trump’s life.
The singer took to Instagram and said he was stunned by Gass’ remark, writing:
“I was blindsided by what was said at the show on Sunday. I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form. 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.”
The incident happened during the band’s recent show in Sydney, Australia, where Gass made a birthday wish on stage, referring to the assassination attempt on Trump:
“Don’t miss Trump next time”
The joke got cheers and laughter at the show but quickly faced a backlash on social media. Senator Ralph Babet, the leader of the United Australia Party, called for Tenacious D to be deported, saying they should be removed from the country for wishing for Trump’s assassination at their Sydney concert.
In a separate post, Gass also issued an apology on Instagram, saying:
“The line I improvised onstage Sunday night in Sydney was highly inappropriate, dangerous, and a terrible mistake. I don’t condone violence of any kind, in any form, against anymore. 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 and pain I’ve caused.”
Gass has also been dropped by his talent agent, Michael Greene of Greene Talent, after his joke about the attempt on Trump’s life.
The duo had another week of gigs in Australia and were then due to head to New Zealand. The local promoter initially said that night’s show was postponed, but Black later announced the entire tour’s cancellation. Tenacious D was also set to start a U.S. tour in October, with a sold-out show in Ohio, but this is now uncertain.
Kyle’s comment came a day after Trump was injured in an assassination attempt at a campaign event in Pennsylvania. Trump’s ear was bloodied, and he was rushed off stage by Secret Service. He was not critically injured. One attendee was killed, and two others were hurt. Last month, Black appeared at a star-studded event to raise funds for Joe Biden.
