Jack Black 'blindsided' by Kyle Gass' Trump shooting comment, ends Tenacious D tour
Jack Black is speaking out against his bandmate's controversial comment about the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.
In a statement provided to USA TODAY, the "School of Rock" actor, 54, said he was "blindsided" by bandmate Kyle Gass saying "don't miss Trump next time" on stage during their Tenacious D show on Sunday.
Black also said he is ending the Tenacious D tour and pausing plans to continue working with Gass.
"I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form," Black said. "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."
Kyle Gass,Jack Black's Tenacious D bandmate, says 'don't miss Trump next time' after assassination attempt
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Kyle Gass apologizes for his 'dangerous' joke about Trump assassination attempt: 'Terrible mistake'
In his own statement shared Tuesday on Instagram, Gass apologized for the remark and made clear that it was not planned.
"The line I improvised onstage Sunday night in Sydney was highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake," he said. "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."
He added, "I profoundly apologize to those I've let down and truly regret any pain I've caused."
Meanwhile, Gass was dropped by his talent agency Greene Talent due to the Trump comment, agent Michael Greene confirmed to USA TODAY.
Jack Black's bandmate,Donald Trump and when jokes go too far
Controversy comes after Tenacious D announced 'Rock D Vote' shows ahead of election
Tenacious D was set to continue performing this month with tour stops in Australia and New Zealand. The band had also announced a series of "Rock D Vote" shows in the fall to benefit the nonpartisan organization Rock the Vote ahead of the presidential election.
During a Tenacious D show Sunday in Sydney, Black presented a cake to Gass for his birthday and told him to make a wish. "Don't miss Trump next time," Gass said, referencing the assassination attempt on Trump.
Trump assassination attempt:Graphics, maps show you what happened
On Saturday, during a rally in Pennsylvania, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks shot at Trump, who later said a bullet "pierced the upper part of my right ear." The shooting left one rally attendee dead and two injured. In the aftermath, officials in both parties, including President Joe Biden, spoke out to condemn political violence.
Gass' comments received backlash as they went viral Monday on social media. "Evil," Tesla CEO Elon Musk wrote in response to a clip of the moment. Video showed the concert audience cheering Gass' joke, though Black did not remark upon it. "Thank you," he said before moving the show along.
Trump assassination attemptunlikely to have lasting political impact, observers say
Black has been performing with Gass in Tenacious D, a comedy rock band, since 1994. They co-starred in a comedy film about the band, "Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny," in 2006.
Black is a supporter of Biden and went viral in June after delivering a passionate speech for the president's re-election campaign at a fundraiser. Wearing American flag overalls, he said, "When democracy is at stake, Jack Black answers the call."
