Jack Black Halts Tenacious D Tour After Bandmate’s Trump Comment

The comedy rock duo Tenacious D, consisting of Jack Black and Kyle Gass, has canceled the remainder of their tour following controversial remarks made by Gass about an assassination attempt on Donald Trump.

During a concert in Sydney on Sunday, Gass was given a birthday cake and encouraged to “make a wish” by Black. Gass’s response, “Don’t miss Trump next time,” referenced a rally shooting the day before where the former president was injured in the ear. The video of Gass’s comment quickly made its rounds on social media.

Jack Black addressed the incident with a statement on Instagram on Tuesday. “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,” he stated. “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.”

Kyle Gass also took to Instagram to apologize. “The line I improvised Sunday night in Sydney was highly inappropriate, dangerous, and a terrible mistake,” he wrote on Tuesday. “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.”

The band had recently completed tour dates in the U.S. and Europe. Their “Spicy Meatball Tour” was scheduled to continue on Tuesday night in Newcastle, with plans to visit major cities in Australia and New Zealand this month before returning to the U.S. for additional dates in October.

Following the incident, their touring company, Frontier Touring, announced the postponement of the concert in Newcastle. “Frontier Touring regret to advise that Tenacious D’s concert tonight at Newcastle Entertainment Centre has been postponed,” they stated on Instagram. “Ticket holders are asked to hold onto their tickets until further information is available.”

When approached for further comment, a representative for the band referred the Associated Press back to Black’s statement. Refund details for the remaining tour dates were not immediately provided.