Jack Black claims he was surprised by his bandmate Tenacious D’s tasteless comments about the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump.
The School of Rock actor released a statement Tuesday saying he has decided to cancel the comedy band’s tour and put all creative plans on hold after bandmate Kyle Gass said he wished Trump’s would-be assassin hadn’t missed out.
“I was surprised by what was said on Sunday’s show. I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form,” Black told DailyMail.com in a statement.
“After much consideration, 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.”
Black and his band are currently on the Spicy Meatball Tour. (L-R) Kyle Gass, Jack Black and bassist John Spike
Tenacious D was on stage in Sydney, Australia on Sunday when Black brought a birthday cake for bandmate Kyle Gass and asked him to make a wish.
Gass, 64, responded: “Don’t miss Trump next time.”
The audience reacted mostly with cheers and laughter, apart from a few disappointed reactions.
Gass also released a statement on Tuesday: “The line I improvised on stage in Sydney on Sunday night was highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake.
‘I do not condone any form of violence, against anyone.
“What happened was a tragedy, and I am deeply sorry for my severe lack of judgment. I sincerely apologize to those I have disappointed and am truly sorry for any pain I have caused.”
Gass also released his own statement on Tuesday, writing: “The line I improvised on stage in Sydney on Sunday night was highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake.”
Last month, Black, 54, gave a speech at a famed Los Angeles fundraiser for President Joe Biden, where he said “democracy was at stake” in November.
The event, which raised more than $30 million, was also attended by former President Barack Obama, George Clooney, Julia Roberts and Barbra Streisand.
Black and his band were on tour with the Spicy Meatball Tour, which kicked off in May and was set to end on July 26, 2024.
Many social media users were outraged by Gass’ comments about Trump.
Conservative Party editor Brandon Morse wrote: ‘And with that, all the love I felt for Jack Black and Tenacious D is gone.’
Last month, Black, 54, delivered a speech at a star-studded fundraiser in Los Angeles for President Joe Biden, where he said “democracy was at stake” in November
Ring-wing commentator Charlie Kirk added: ‘These people are even more deranged and mean than we realised. And shame on all the people in the crowd who thought this “joke” was funny.’
X user Collin Rugg said, “Maybe, just maybe, these people are the bad guys.”
Australian Senator Ralph Babet joined the chorus of outraged voices in demanding that the band be expelled from the country following Gass’s controversial comments.
After the shooting that left a bystander dead on Saturday, detectives were searching for clues about what motivated Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, to carry out the shocking attack.
The FBI said it was investigating it as a possible act of domestic terrorism, but the lack of a clear ideological motive in the man shot dead by the Secret Service has led to many conspiracy theories.
According to the FBI, Crooks, who had bomb-making materials in the car he drove to the meeting, acted alone.
