Jack Black’s comedy band, Tenacious D, is canceling its tour after a comment by one of the members about the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.
The cancelation comes amid backlash over a video of Black giving band member Kyle Gass a birthday cake on Sunday and telling him to “make a wish.”
“Don’t miss Trump next time,” Gass responded, which was seen as a comment about the attempt on Trump’s life.
Black told CNN he was “blindsided by what was said at the show.”
“I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form,” he continued. “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.”
Meanwhile, Gass said on Instagram, “The line I improvised onstage Sunday night in Sydney was highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake. 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 any pain I’ve caused,” he added.
CNN reports, “Gass has since been dropped by his Hollywood talent representative. His agent, Michael Greene of Greene Talent, told CNN that he has parted ways with Gass, but he did not provide additional comment.”
Black’s band was scheduled to play at several venues in Australia.
However, amid the backlash, Australian senator Ralph Babet said they should be “immediately removed from the country.”
“To advocate and or wish for the assassination of a President is egregious, disgusting, filthy, evil, and not acceptable in any way, shape or form,” he continued. “This was not a joke, he was deadly serious when he wished for the death of the President.”
He added, “Anything less than a deportation is an endorsement of the shooting and the attempted assassination of Donald J. Trump.”
