Tenacious D band member Kyle Gass has issued an apology on social media amid blowback following his controversial remark on the assassination attempt against Donald Trump. Gass admitted the remark was “highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake.” Amid the controversy, Gass’ bandmate Jack Black announced Tenacious D was canceling its current tour and “all future creative plans.” Gass was also dropped by his talent agency Greene Talent.
During the band’s July 14 show in Australia, Black surprised Gass by bringing out a cake on stage to celebrate the latter’s 64th birthday. It was a spontaneous moment during the show and not a pre-rehearsed bit. Black asked Gass to make a wish while blowing out the candles, to which Gass responded: “Don’t miss Trump next time.”
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“The line I improvised onstage Sunday night in Sydney was highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake,” Gass now writes in a statement. “I don’t condone violence of any kind, in any form, against anyone.”
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“What happened was a tragedy, and I’m incredibly sorry for my severe lack of judgement,” Gass added. “I profoundly apologize to those I’ve let down and truly regret any pain I’ve caused.”
Black wrote in his own statement that he was “blindsided” by Gass’ comment, adding: “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.”
Information on the remaining Tenacious D tour dates and how fans can access refunds will be provided at a later date. In addition to their current tour, Tenacious D had also been scheduled to play a series of October concerts to support Rock the Vote, the nonpartisan nonprofit organization that encourages young people to vote.
Tenacious D was performing at Australia’s ICC Sydney Theatre the day after the assassination attempt on Trump when Gass made his controversial comment. Trump was struck in the ear by a live bullet during a July 13 rally in Butler, Pa., after a gunman opened fire from an elevated position outside the venue. One person in the crowd was killed by the gunfire, and two others were critically injured.
Read Gass full apology statement in the Instagram post below.
