Jack Black puts Tenacious D’s future “on hold” after Kyle Gass jokes about Trump’s assassination attempt

Black says he was “blindsided” by Gass’ comments

Jack Black says he was “blindsided” by bandmate Kyle Gass’ comments joking about Donald Trump’s attempted assassination during Tenacious D’s concert in Sydney, Australia over the weekend. As a result, he’s canceled the band’s upcoming tour dates and put “all future creative plans are on hold.”

“I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form,” Black said in a statement released Tuesday morning.

“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.”

In his own statement, Gass said, “The line I improvised onstage Sunday night was highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake. 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.”

During Tenacious D’s concert in Sydney on Sunday, Gass was presented with a cake on stage in celebration of his 64th birthday. Black asked him to “make a wish,” to which Gass responded, “Don’t miss Trump next time.”

Gass’ comments came less than 24 hours after the attempted assassination of the former president by a 20-year-old gunman during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump survived the shooting, but an attendee of the rally was killed and two others were injured. The gunman was also killed by US Secret Service agents.

In the wake of Gass’ comments, Australian Senator Ralph Babet, leader of the United Australia Party, demanded that the country “revoke [the band’s] visas and deport them immediately.”

Tenacious D had been scheduled to tour Australia and New Zealand through the end of July. The band also recently announced a US tour in five swing states, with all proceeds going toward Rock the Vote to support voter registration, education, and rights.

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