Comedian and actor Jack Black has canceled all remaining dates on his popular comedy-rock duo Tenacious D’s “Spicy Meatball” world tour after bandmate Kyle Gass made a joke onstage about the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump last weekend.
Tenacious D went onstage in Sydney, Australia, on Sunday, some hours after 20-year-old registered Republican Thomas Matthew Crooks fired shots at Trump during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump escaped with a bloodied ear and was rushed away by Secret Service.
The Sydney concert date was on Gass’ 64th birthday. A robot sporting a party hat appeared onstage with a birthday cake that was presented to him.
When asked to make a wish, Gass replied, “Don’t miss Trump next time.”
In footage from the concert, Black appears to laugh, then says, “How ‘bout this guy? Kyle Gass! Happy birthday.”
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The crowd in Sydney laughed and cheered, but the clip quickly tore across social media platforms causing a storm of outrage. Additionally, United Australia Party parliamentary leader Sen. Ralph Babet called for Tenacious D to be deported, saying they should “be immediately removed from the country after wishing for the assassination of Donald Trump at their Sydney concert.”
It didn’t take long for Black, who has increasingly become a family-friendly figure over the past 20 years, particularly through films like “School of Rock” and the highly successful “Kung-Fu Panda” franchise, to condemn Gass’ remark and sever ties.
“I was blindsided by what was said at the show on Sunday,” Black wrote on Instagram. “I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form.
“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 responded via Instagram.
“The line I improvised onstage Sunday night in Sydney was highly inappropriate, dangerous, and a terrible mistake,” he wrote.
"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 apologize to those I’ve let down and truly regret any pain I’ve caused."
The pair were set to play Kalamazoo’s Wings Event Center on Oct. 25. Like the remainder of the tour, that date has been canceled.
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