Tenacious D tour cancelled after Trump comment

Jack Black has cancelled the remainder of Tenacious D’s world tour following a controversial onstage joke by bandmate Kyle Gass relating to the attempted assassination of Donald Trump.

Presenting Gass with a cake to mark his 64th birthday during the comedy duo’s performance at the ICC Sydney Theatre, Australia, on Sunday (14 July), Black told him to “make a wish”, in footage shared online, to which Gass replied: “Don’t miss Trump next time.”

The remark, which came hours after Trump was shot in the ear at a rally in Pennsylvania, US, was mostly met with laughter in the venue, but has since sparked an outcry, with Australian senator Ralph Babet calling for the band to be deported.

“I was blindsided by what was said at the show on Sunday,” says Black 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.”

“What happened was a tragedy and I’m incredibly sorry for my severe lack of judgement”

A concert scheduled for Newcastle Entertainment Centre today (16 July), promoted by Frontier Touring, had already been called off shortly before doors were due to open.

Other postponed Spicy Meatball Tour shows in Australia and New Zealand include sold out July dates in Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Wellington and Auckland. The pair were also due to short run of US gigs in October.

Prior to Black’s statement, Gass issued a statement on social media, apologising for his actions.

“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. I profoundly apologise to those I’ve let down and truly regret any pain I’ve caused.”

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