Jack Black Cancels Tenacious D World Tour After Bandmates Controversial Comment
Jack Black's band, Tenacious D, has called off the rest of their world tour after Kyle Gass made a controversial comment about the assassination attempt on Donald Trump.
The icomment was said during a concert in Sydney, Australia, where Gass, celebrating his 64th birthday, responded to a birthday wish prompt with, "Don’t miss Trump next time."
Jack Black was quick to address the issue, expressing his shock and dismay in a statement on Instagram. He said, "I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form." Black announced the cancellation of the tour, stating that it was no longer appropriate to continue and that all future creative plans were on hold. He also thanked fans for their support and understanding.
Kyle Gass also issued an apology on social media, acknowledging his mistake. He wrote, "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 judgement. I profoundly apologise to those I’ve let down and truly regret any pain I’ve caused."
United Australia senator Ralph Babet calls for band to be deported
The backlash was swift, with United Australia senator Ralph Babet calling for the band's deportation. Babet stated, "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." He urged Australian officials to revoke the band's visas and remove them from the country.
Australian radio host Kyle Sandilands also weighed in, stating that he would not participate in any future interviews with Tenacious D. The band had previously appeared on his show, "Kyle & Jackie O In the Morning" on KIIS radio.
The shooting incident that prompted Gass's comment occurred at a Pennsylvania rally where a gunman, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, opened fire, grazing Trump's ear. Crooks was subsequently shot dead by a Secret Service sniper. One spectator was killed, and two others were seriously injured.
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about political violence and the responsibilities of public figures. President Joe Biden condemned the shooting, stating, "There is no place in America for this kind of violence – it’s sick, it’s sick, it’s one of the reasons why we have to unite this country. We cannot allow for this to be happening. We cannot be like this. We cannot condone this."
As the fallout continues, the future of Tenacious D remains uncertain.
