Musical comedy duo TENACIOUS D, led by actor Jack Black, have canceled their Australian tour and paused all creative projects. This decision comes amid heavy criticism following guitarist Kyle Gass‘ recent onstage comment about the attempted assassination of Donald Trump last weekend.
The controversy arose after the band’s performance in Sydney, Australia, on Sunday, July 14th. During the show, Gass received a birthday cake to celebrate his 64th birthday. When asked to make a wish, he responded, “Don’t miss Trump next time.”
Since then, the band has faced significant backlash over Gass‘ comments. Australian Senator Ralph Babet has formally requested their deportation from the country, writing on X: “I condemn in the strongest possible way the call to political violence by TENACIOUS D in Sydney on Sunday… To advocate and or wish for the assassination of a President is egregious, disgusting, filthy, evil, and not acceptable in any way, shape or form.”
Amid the criticism, Jack Black addressed the issue on Instagram yesterday (July 15th), stating he was “blindsided” by his bandmate’s comment.
“I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence of any kind,” Black wrote, adding that after much reflection, the duo have canceled the rest of the Australian tour, and “all future creative plans are on hold.”
Gass added in a separate statement: “The line I improvised onstage Sunday night 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.”
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