Jack Black has cancelled Tenacious D's current tour and paused all future plans following comments made by his bandmate Kyle Gass over the weekend.
At the comedy-rock duo's show in Sydney, Australia Sunday night (July 14), Black wished Gass a happy birthday during their performance. When told to "make a wish," Gass responded with “Don’t miss Trump next time,” making reference to Saturday's assassination attempt on Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump.
After a fan posted video of the comment to TikTok, it immediately went viral, with both Gass and Black facing a backlash for what was said.
But this morning, Black distanced himself from his musical partner of 30 years, posting a statement on Instagram that puts the duo's status in doubt.
In the statement, Black said he was "blindsided" by what Gass said. "I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form," he added. "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 since issued his own statement, mirroring Black's comments.
"The line I improvised onstage Sunday night in Sydney was highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake," he wrote on Instagram. "I don't condone violence of any kind, in any form, against anyone. What happened was a tragedy, and I'm incredible [sic] sorry for my severe lack of judgment. I profoundly apologize to those I've let down and truly regret any pain I've caused."
Tenacious D are currently scheduled to perform a string of sold-out shows in Australia and New Zealand this month. However, based on Black's words they will be cancelled.
See the video and the statements below.
@dark_hive Comedian Jack Black's bandmate makes a "birthday wish" during a performance in Sydney, says he wishes they "don't miss Trump next time." Black was videoed giving Tenacious D band member Kyle Gass a birthday cake. "Make a wish," Black said. Gass then responded: "Don’t miss Trump next time." The crowd seemed to think the "joke" was funny. Maybe, just maybe, these people are actually the evil ones. #jackblack #donaldtrump #trump #rally #DJT #news #foryou ♬ original sound - Dark💔Hive