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Topics: Celebrity, Donald Trump, Jack Black, Music, News, US News
Niamh Shackleton
Topics: Celebrity, Donald Trump, Jack Black, Music, News, US News
Jack Black says he was 'blindsided' by his bandmate's controversial comments about Donald Trump.
On Saturday, July 13, there was an attempt on Trump's life during a rally in Pennsylvania.
Several bullets were shot in the former president's direction, with one grazing his ear.
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In the wake of the shooter missing, Tenacious D's Kyle Gass made an apparent joke about the situation while performing in Australia.
The day after the incident marked Gass' birthday and the 64-year-old was greeted with a cake by Jack Black.
Black urged him to make a wish and as he went to blow them out, Gass said: "Don't miss Trump next time."
While the audience laughed at his remark, people on social media didn't find it as amusing.
"Advocating murder is a crime in every jurisdiction I can think of," one person penned on X.
"What a stupid, insensitive, and hurtful comment," fumed another.
A third even labelled Gass' comments as 'shameful'.
Following the backlash, Black issued a statement on social media announcing that the band has cancelled the rest of Tenacious D's tour.
He also said he was 'blindsided' by Gass' comments about Trump.
Black said: "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 that it's 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."
Gass has also addressed the matter himself and issued an apology.
"The line I improvised onstage Sunday night in Sydney was highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake," his statement began.
"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 judgement. I profoundly apologize to those I've let down and truly regret and pain I've caused."
The Elf star has since been dropped by his management.
The future for Tenacious D remains unclear, following Black putting 'all future creative plans on hold'.
The band was founded in Los Angeles in 1994 by Gass and Black, and their debut album followed seven years later.
The two Hollywood stars first met in the 80s through The Actors' Gang theater troupe that they were both members of.
It's said that the duo initially didn't see eye-to-eye, but went on to become good pals in the years that followed.