Jack Black cancels tour over bandmate’s joke about Donald Trump assassination attempt
Jack Black has canceled the remainder of Tenacious D’s tour after bandmate Kyle Gass made a joke about the attempted assassination of Donald Trump.
“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,” the actor, 54, wrote via Instagram Tuesday.
“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 “School of Rock” star’s message comes after Gass, 64, joked about 20-year-old gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks shooting at the former president during a campaign rally last weekend.
While Gass was being presented with a birthday cake on stage during the band’s show in Sydney, Australia, Sunday, Jack Black old him to “make a wish” as he blew out the candles.
Gass then said: “Don’t miss Trump next time.”
The guitarist then apologized for his remarks, saying it was a “severe lack of judgement.”
“The line I improvised onstage Sunday night in Sydney was highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake,” Gass wrote via Instagram.
“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.”
Gass was blasted for his remarks by Australian senator Ralph Babet, who said the band “should be immediately removed from the country”
“I call on the prime minister Anthony Albanese to join me in denouncing Tenacious D, Jack Black and band member Kyle Gass, and I call on the immigration minister Andrew Giles to revoke their visas and deport them immediately,” Babet wrote on X Tuesday.
Due to Gass’ joke, he was reportedly dropped by his talent agency, Greene Talent.
Crooks was killed by a Secret Service sniper after he fired several shots into Trump’s rally at Bethel Park on Saturday. One of the gunshots grazed the politician, 78, in the ear.
One other attendee, identified as Corey Comperatore, was killed and two others were injured following the shooting.