Jack Black announced that Tenacious D, his rock band with longtime friend Kyle Gass, would cancel its remaining tour dates after Gass made a joke on stage about the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.
At a concert held in Sydney on Sunday, the duo celebrated Gass’ birthday with a cake. According to video footage from the concert that circulated online, Black told Gass to “make a wish.” Gass responded with “Don’t miss Trump next time” as he blew the candles out.
Trump was the target of the assassination attempt during a campaign rally Saturday. The former president said a bullet “pierced the upper part of my right ear” in a Truth Social post. He was pictured with blood on his ear and the side of his head. Rally attendee Corey Comperatore, 50, was shot and killed. Two other Pennsylvania residents were also shot at the rally and are in critical but stable condition.
The video from the concert prompted some online to call out Gass’ comment as inappropriate, suggesting his remark could encourage violence. Others described it as a crass joke.
In an Instagram post Tuesday, Black said he was “blindsided” by Gass’ comment.
“I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form,” Black wrote in the statement on his Instagram. “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 apologized in a statement posted on his Instagram on Tuesday. He called his remarks “highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake.”
“I don’t condone violence of any kind, in any form, against anyone,” his statement read. “What happened was a tragedy, and I’m incredibly sorry for my severe lack of judgement.”
Gass was dropped by his talent agency, Greene Talent, on Tuesday, owner Michael Greene confirmed to NBC News.
Gass’ remark comes as people are re-evaluating the political climate and considering if the country has become too polarized following the assassination attempt.
In an Oval Office address Sunday night, President Joe Biden urged Americans to “lower the temperature” on political rhetoric.
“While we may disagree, we are not enemies,” Biden said in his address. “We’re neighbors, we’re friends, co-workers, citizens and, most importantly, we are fellow Americans. We must stand together.”
Diana Dasrath and Austin Mullen contributed.