Actor and musician Jack Black has canceled his summer tour with the band Tenacious D following backlash over controversial comments made by his bandmate, Kyle Gass. The decision comes after Gass was criticized for suggesting the assassination of former President Donald Trump.
Black sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to Gass onstage, prompting him to make a wish. The controversy began when Gass replied with, “Don’t miss Trump next time.”
Gass made the inappropriate and insensitive comment mere hours after Trump survived the assassination attempt at his rally in Butler, PA.
The exchange between Gass and Black went viral as many fans recorded the infamous moment and posted it online.
Black took to social media after the show on Sunday, commenting, “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.”
Gass also came forward and apologized, saying, “”The line I improvised onstage Sunday night in Sydney 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 judgment. I profoundly apologize to those I’ve let down and truly regret any pain I’ve caused.”
Since the comment was made and the clip went viral online, Black made the decision to cancel all future stops of his summer tour.
Black wrote on social media, “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.”
