SCNR – Comedy duo band Tenacious D has cancelled the remainder of their sold-out tour following backlash after bandmate Kyle Gass wished for the assassination of Donald Trump.
Gass made his comment at a concert in Sydney, Australia on Sunday — the day after the former president narrowly escaped a would-be assassin’s bullet during a rally in Pennsylvania.
Video footage from the concert shows Gass’ bandmate, actor Jack Black, singing “Happy Birthday” to Gass, who’s offered a cake by a large robot-like figure.
After Black encourages his bandmate to make a wish, Gass replies, “Don’t miss Trump next time.”
Though the audience generally appeared to laugh in response, some members can be heard voicing disapproval.
The concert footage was widely denounced by conservative accounts on X, some of which called Gass’ comments “evil and sick,” “twisted and vile,” and referred to Gass as “garbage.”
Following widespread backlash, Black announced the remainder of the band’s sold-out tour would be cancelled.
“I was blindsided by what was said at the show on Sunday,” wrote the 54-year-old on Instagram. “I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form.”
“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,” Black said.
Gass issued an apology for his comments Tuesday morning.
“The line I improvised onstage Sunday night in Sydney was highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake,” he wrote in an Instagram post. “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 l’ve let down and truly regret any pain l’ve caused.”
