Jack Black has canceled Tenacious D's ongoing tour after bandmate Kyle Gass made a controversial comment about the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump during their performance on Sunday.
In a statement posted on Instagram on Tuesday morning, the "School of Rock" star, 54, said he was "blindsided" by his longtime friend and bandmate's comments during their concert Sunday in Sydney, Australia.
In videos of the incident shared on social media, Black can be seen on stage presenting Gass with a birthday cake, and saying, "make a wish."
"Don't miss Trump next time," Gass replied.
Jack Black went on stage with his band over the weekend and his bandmate said "don't miss Trump next time" to laughs from the audience.
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) July 15, 2024
A month ago, he was a featured speaker at Biden's fundraiser in Los Angeles.
"We must come together" indeed. pic.twitter.com/HGlNTlzure
After the incident, one Australian official called to have the pair removed from the country.
"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," Australian senator Ralph Babet said in a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter. "I call on the prime minister Anthony Albanese to join me in denouncing Tenacious D, Jack Black and band member Kyle Gass, and I call on the immigration minister Andrew Giles to revoke their visas and deport them immediately."
Tenacious D was scheduled to perform in Newcastle, New South Wales, on Tuesday, but promoter Frontier Touring announced on Instagram the show was "postponed."
Black in a statement clarified the band's tour was canceled.
"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," Black 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"
Tenacious D was founded by Black and Gass in 1994, and the comedy rock duo has since released four albums, and appeared as themselves in several movies before starring in their own feature film, "Tenacious D and the Pick of Destiny."
--with reporting by TMX
