On July 13, Tenacious D was performing in Sydney, Australia, where vocalist and guitarist Kyle Gass was celebrating his 64th birthday with fellow band member Jack Black.
On the same night, an assassination attempt occurred during a rally near Butler, PA, targeting former president Donald Trump. The gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks, injured Trump by clipping his ear, killed rally attendee Corey Comperatore, and wounded two others in the crowd.
When asked for his birthday wish, Gass remarked: “Don’t miss Trump next time.”
Jack Black Puts Tenacious D On Hiatus
In response, Jack Black issued a statement on his Instagram expressing his shock and disapproval of the comment. Black indicated that he felt unable to continue with the tour or any creative projects, stating…
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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. 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 also addressed the backlash on Instagram, issuing an apology for his remark.
The line I improvised onstage Sunday night in Sydney was highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake. 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 judgment. I profoundly apologize to those I’ve let down and truly regret any pain I’ve caused.
Kyle Gass Dropped From Agency
In addition, United Australia senator Ralph Babet condemned the comment and called for the band’s deportation.
I condemn in the strongest possible way the call to political violence by Tenacious D in Sydney on Sunday. 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.
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. Anything less than a deportation is an endorsement of the shooting and the attempted assassination of Donald J Trump.
It has now also been reported that Kyle Gass been dropped by his talent agency following his controversial remarks regarding the attempted assassination of U.S. Presidential candidate Donald Trump.
Both TMZ and The Hollywood Reporter have independently reported that Michael Greene of Greene & Associates Talent Agency is no longer representing the 64-year-old Gass.
The decision appears to be a direct result of Gass’ onstage comments which you can watch below.
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