Jack Black has officially cancelled the rest of his Tenacious D world tour after his bandmate Kyle Gass sparked backlash with a comment on stage.
Gass sparked an outcry after making a comment on stage about the recent assassination attempt on former president Donald Trump.
When on stage in Sydney, Australia, on Sunday – Gass was asked to make a wish when being gifted with a birthday cake for his 64th birthday.
He was then seemingly heard saying: “Don’t miss Trump next time.”
Black has since responded to the backlash as he took to Instagram on Tuesday to release a statement, announcing the cancellation of his tour.
“I was blindsided by what was said at the show on Sunday,” Black began.
“I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form,” the Jumanji and upcoming Minecraft movie star added.
He continued to explain that “after much reflection”, he had come to the conclusion that he “no longer feel[s] it is appropriate” to continue.
“After much reflection, I no longer feel it is appropriate to continue the Tenacious D tour, and all future creative plans are on hold.”
He concluded his statement: “I am grateful to the fans for their support and understanding.”
The post, as of writing, has just over 485,000 likes.
However, comments on the post have been switched off.
The controversial comment had already caused the band’s Tuesday show in Newcastle, New South Wales, being postponed.
Gass also took to Instagram to release a statement.
“The line I improvised onstage Sunday night in Sydney was highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake,” he began.
“I don’t condone violence of any kind, in any form, against anyone.”
He added: “What happened was a tragedy, and I’m incredibly sorry for my severe lack of judgement.”
He concluded: “I profoundly apologize to those I’ve let down and truly regret any pain I’ve caused.”
In addition to cancelling the tour and all future creative plans, Gass has also split with his agent following the aftermath, as per the BBC.
“Due to what happened, we have parted ways,” Michael Greene of Greene Talent told BBC News.
Although the crowd at the show in question could be heard laughing at the improvised line, the online reaction to Gass’ comment wasn’t as positive.
X (Twitter) boss Elon Musk branded the comment as “evil.”
United Australia senator Ralph Babet asked for Tenacious D to be deported from the country all together.
Babet said in a statement that Black and Gass should “be immediately removed from the country after wishing for the assassination of Donald Trump at their Sydney concert.”
Trump was shot in the ear during a rally in Pennsylvania, the gunman – identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks – was killed after having shot at the former president.
One of Trump’s rally spectators were also killed alongside two others who were seriously injured.
