Current:Home > StocksJack Black 'blindsided' by Kyle Gass' Trump shooting comment, ends Tenacious D tour-InfoLens
Jack Black 'blindsided' by Kyle Gass' Trump shooting comment, ends Tenacious D tour
View Date:2024-12-23 20:49:10
Jack Black is speaking out against his bandmate's controversial comment about the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.
In a statement provided to USA TODAY, the "School of Rock" actor, 54, said he was "blindsided" by bandmate Kyle Gass saying "don't miss Trump next time" on stage during their Tenacious D show on Sunday.
Black also said he is ending the Tenacious D tour and pausing plans to continue working with Gass.
"I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form," Black said. "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,Jack Black's Tenacious D bandmate, says 'don't miss Trump next time' after assassination attempt
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Kyle Gass apologizes for his 'dangerous' joke about Trump assassination attempt: 'Terrible mistake'
In his own statement shared Tuesday on Instagram, Gass apologized for the remark and made clear that it was not planned.
"The line I improvised onstage Sunday night in Sydney was highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake," he said. "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."
He added, "I profoundly apologize to those I've let down and truly regret any pain I've caused."
Meanwhile, Gass was dropped by his talent agency Greene Talent due to the Trump comment, agent Michael Greene confirmed to USA TODAY.
Jack Black's bandmate,Donald Trump and when jokes go too far
Controversy comes after Tenacious D announced 'Rock D Vote' shows ahead of election
Tenacious D was set to continue performing this month with tour stops in Australia and New Zealand. The band had also announced a series of "Rock D Vote" shows in the fall to benefit the nonpartisan organization Rock the Vote ahead of the presidential election.
During a Tenacious D show Sunday in Sydney, Black presented a cake to Gass for his birthday and told him to make a wish. "Don't miss Trump next time," Gass said, referencing the assassination attempt on Trump.
Trump assassination attempt:Graphics, maps show you what happened
On Saturday, during a rally in Pennsylvania, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks shot at Trump, who later said a bullet "pierced the upper part of my right ear." The shooting left one rally attendee dead and two injured. In the aftermath, officials in both parties, including President Joe Biden, spoke out to condemn political violence.
Gass' comments received backlash as they went viral Monday on social media. "Evil," Tesla CEO Elon Musk wrote in response to a clip of the moment. Video showed the concert audience cheering Gass' joke, though Black did not remark upon it. "Thank you," he said before moving the show along.
Trump assassination attemptunlikely to have lasting political impact, observers say
Black has been performing with Gass in Tenacious D, a comedy rock band, since 1994. They co-starred in a comedy film about the band, "Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny," in 2006.
Black is a supporter of Biden and went viral in June after delivering a passionate speech for the president's re-election campaign at a fundraiser. Wearing American flag overalls, he said, "When democracy is at stake, Jack Black answers the call."
veryGood! (1382)
Related
- Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly are expecting their first child together
- Kirk Herbstreit announces death of beloved golden retriever Ben: 'We had to let him go'
- Grammy 2025 snubs: Who didn't get nominated that should have?
- Man is charged in highway shootings around North Carolina’s capital city
- What do nails have to say about your health? Experts answer your FAQs.
- Defense asks judge to ban the death penalty for man charged in stabbing deaths of 4 Idaho students
- Jimmy Fallon Details “Bromance” Holiday Song With Justin Timberlake
- Sea turtle nests increased along a Florida beach but hurricanes washed many away
- Minnesota county to pay $3.4M to end lawsuit over detainee’s death
- Officials outline child protective services changes after conviction of NYPD officer in son’s death
Ranking
- 'This dude is cool': 'Cross' star Aldis Hodge brings realism to literary detective
- California air regulators to vote on contentious climate program to cut emissions
- 3 dead, including the suspect, after shooting in Pennsylvania apartment and 40-mile police chase
- Election overload? Here are some tips to quiet the noise on your social feeds
- Mother of Man Found Dead in Tanning Bed at Planet Fitness Gym Details His Final Moments
- Video captures mountain lion in Texas backyard; wildlife department confirms sighting
- PETA raises tips reward to $16,000 for man who dragged 2 dogs behind his car in Georgia
- Florida environmental protection head quits 2 months after backlash of plan to develop state parks
Recommendation
-
The White Stripes drop lawsuit against Donald Trump over 'Seven Nation Army' use
-
Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith Step Out for Dinner in Rare Public Appearance
-
Diddy, bodyguard sued by man for 1996 physical assault outside New York City club
-
Garth Brooks Files to Move Sexual Assault Case to Federal Court
-
To Protect the Ozone Layer and Slow Global Warming, Fertilizers Must Be Deployed More Efficiently, UN Says
-
Teresa Giudice's Husband Accused of Cheating by This House of Villains Costar
-
Democrats retain 1-seat majority control of the Pennsylvania House
-
American Eagle’s Dropped Early Holiday Deals – Save Up to 50% on Everything, Styles Start at $7.99