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Jack Black has cancelled his latest Tenacious D tour and said “all future creative plans” for the duo have been put on hold, following his partner Kyle Gass’ controversial onstage “joke” about the attempted assassination of Donald Trump over the weekend.
Actor, comedian and singer Black said today: “I was surprised by what was said at the show on Sunday. I would never tolerate hate speech or encourage political violence in any form. After much consideration, I no longer feel it is appropriate to continue with the Tenacious D tour and all future creative plans are on hold. I am grateful to the fans for their support and understanding.”
During a performance in Sydney on Sunday, Gass was asked by his co-frontman to make a wish, to which he replied: “Don’t miss Trump next time.” The jibe has drawn widespread criticism, with one Australian senator demanding that the comedy-rock band to be deported.
The duo had another week of shows in Australia and were then set to head to New Zealand. The show’s local promoter initially posted that tonight’s show had been postponed, but Black subsequently issued the above statement about the tour being cancelled entirely.
Tenacious D was also set to kick off a U.S. tour in October with a sold-out show in the state of Ohio for newly elected GOP VP Senator JD Vance. That now appears to be on hold as well.
A source has told us that information regarding “remaining tour dates and refunds” will be provided at a later date.
Black has been vocal in his support for the Democrats. On June 7, a Black man in a stars-and-stripes jumpsuit gave a full-throated endorsement of the incumbent president at a mega-fundraiser in DTLA. “If the president wins in November — yes! — I’m sure I’ll get a big shoutout in his victory speech for what I gave up to be here,” Black told the well-heeled crowd at the Peacock Theater. “Because when democracy is at stake, Jack Black answers the call. Mr. President, you’re welcome.”