Jack Black cancels tour after backlash for bandmate's ‘don’t miss’ Trump assassination comment
Jack Black said he was "blindsided" by his "Tenacious D" bandmate Kyle Gass's comment about the Trump assassination attempt, writing that he was putting the band on hold.
Actor Jack Black has canceled his band's concert tour after his bandmate made a shocking comment about the assassination attempt against former President Trump.
At a Tenacious D concert on Sunday, Black sang "Happy Birthday" to his bandmate and fellow actor Kyle Gass, before asking him to "make a wish." Gass replied with, "Don’t miss Trump next time."
His comments came just hours after Trump narrowly survived a shooting at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, where one attendee was killed and two others were critically wounded. A bullet grazed Trump's ear in the assassination attempt.
Black and Gass responded to the backlash on Tuesday after a video clip of their exchange went viral on social media.
JACK BLACK'S BAND UNDER FIRE AFTER BANDMATE MAKES DARK ‘WISH’ AFTER TRUMP ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT
In a statement posted to his Instagram account, Black said he was "blindsided" by Gass's remark.
"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 wrote.
"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."
Gass also put out a statement apologizing for the remark.
"The line I improvised onstage Sunday night in Sydney was highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake," he wrote on Instagram. "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."
Black, a staunch supporter of President Biden, recently spoke at a star-studded fundraiser for the Democratic candidate in Los Angeles that reportedly raised $30 million for his campaign.