Jack Black says he was caught off guard by his Tenacious D bandmate’s tasteless comments about the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump.
The School of Rock actor issued a statement Tuesday, saying he decided to cancel the comedy band’s tour after his bandmate Kyle Gass expressed that he wished the would-be Trump assassin hadn’t failed.
“What was said on Sunday’s show has left me stunned. I would never tolerate hate speech or encourage political violence in any form,” Black told DailyMail.com in a statement.
“After much consideration, I no longer believe it is appropriate to continue the Tenacious D tour and all future creative plans are on hold. I thank the fans for their support and understanding.”
Black and his band are currently on the Spicy Meatball Tour. (L-R) Kyle Gass, Jack Black and bassist John Spike
Tenacious D was on stage in Sydney, Australia, on Sunday when Black brought out a birthday cake for his bandmate Kyle Gass and asked him to make a wish.
Gass, 64, responded: “Don’t miss Trump next time.”
The crowd responded mostly with cheers and laughter, with only a few disappointed reactions.
Last month, Black, 54, gave a speech at a star-studded fundraiser in Los Angeles for President Joe Biden, where he said “democracy was at stake” in November.
The event, which raised more than $30 million, was also attended by former President Barack Obama, George Clooney, Julia Roberts and Barbra Streisand.
Black and his band were on the Spicy Meatball Tour, which began in May and is set to end on July 26, 2024.