Tenacious D cancels tour after being criticized for Trump assassination attempt joke

Jack Black has announced that Tenacious D, his rock band with longtime friend Kyle Gass, will cancel its remaining tour dates after Gass made an onstage joke about the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump.

At a concert in Sydney on Sunday, the duo celebrated Gass’ birthday with a cake. According to a video of the concert that circulated online, Black asked Gass to “make a wish.” Gass responded, “Don’t miss Trump next time,” as he blew out the candles.

Trump was the target of an assassination attempt at a campaign rally on Saturday. The former president said a bullet “pierced the top part of my right ear” in a post on Truth Social. He was photographed with blood on his ear and the side of his head. Rally attendee Corey Comperatore, 50, was shot and killed. Two other Pennsylvania residents were also shot at the rally and are in critical but stable condition.

The concert video prompted some Internet users to call Gass’ comment inappropriate, suggesting that his remark could encourage violence. Others described it as a crude joke.

In an Instagram post published Tuesday, Black said he was “caught off guard” by Gass’ comment.

“I will never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form,” Black wrote in a statement posted to his Instagram account. “After careful consideration, I no longer believe it is appropriate to continue the Tenacious D tour, and all future creative projects are on hold. I am grateful to the fans for their support and understanding.”

Gass apologized in a statement posted to his Instagram account Tuesday, calling his comments “highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake.”

“I do not condone any form of violence against anyone,” he said. “What happened was a tragedy, and I am deeply sorry for my serious lapse in judgment.”

Gass was fired by his talent agency, Greene Talent, on Tuesday, owner Michael Greene confirmed to NBC News.

Gass’ remarks come as people reassess the political climate and wonder whether the country has become too polarized after the assassination attempt.

In a speech from the Oval Office Sunday night, President Joe Biden urged Americans to “turn down the temperature” on political rhetoric.

“Even though we disagree, we are not enemies,” Biden said in his speech. “We are neighbors, friends, colleagues, citizens, and most importantly, we are Americans like us. We must stand together.”