Jack Black has announced the cancellation of the remaining Tenacious D world tour dates following an outcry over a comment made by his bandmate, Kyle Gass.
The controversy erupted after Gass, during a Sydney concert on Sunday, responded to a birthday wish by saying, "Don’t miss Trump next time," referring to the recent assassination attempt on Donald Trump.
In a statement on Instagram, Black expressed his dismay, saying he was "blindsided" by Gass's comment. "I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form," Black wrote, adding that he did not feel it was "appropriate to continue the Tenacious D tour." He also stated that the group’s "creative plans are on hold" and thanked fans for their "support and understanding."
The backlash had already led to the postponement of Tuesday's gig in Newcastle, New South Wales. Gass issued an apology on Instagram, admitting to a "severe lack of judgement." He stated, "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."
United Australia Senator Ralph Babet called for the band to be deported, stating they should "be immediately removed from the country after wishing for the assassination of Donald Trump at their Sydney concert."
The assassination attempt on Trump occurred at a Pennsylvania rally, where he was shot in the ear. The FBI identified the shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old kitchen worker from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, who was subsequently killed by a Secret Service sniper. The incident resulted in one spectator's death and two others being seriously injured.
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