Jack Black has said the Tenacious D tour “and all future creative plans are on hold,” following comments made by bandmate Kyle Gass on the attempted assassination of Donald Trump over the weekend.
The controversial comments were made during the rock comedy duo’s show in Sydney on Sunday, a day after the attempted assassination on Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania.
In a widely shared video online, Gass was given a birthday cake onstage and asked to “make a wish,” to which he responded: “Don’t miss Trump next time.”
In response to the backlash against the remarks, Jack Black wrote in a message to his socials today (Tuesday, 16 July):
“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.”
Gass has also written his own apology, shared to his Instagram, saying:
“The line I improvised Sunday night in Sydney was highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake.
“I don’t condone violence in any kind, in any form, against anyone. What happened was a tragedy, and I’m incredibly sorry for my severe lack of judgement.”
The pair had been touring Australia as part of their ‘Spicy Meatball Tour’, which had recently also completed dates in the U.S. and Europe, and was expected to make a return to the U.S. in October.
Details of refunds for fans now unable to attend the cancelled shows were not immediately available.
