Jack Black cancels Tenacious D tour, was ‘blindsided’ by Trump joke

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Jack Black has cancelled his latest Tenacious D tour and said the duo’s “all future creative projects” are on hold, following partner Kyle Gass’ controversial onstage “joke” about the weekend’s assassination attempt on Donald Trump.

Actor, comedian and singer Black said today: “I was taken aback by what was said at Sunday’s concert. I will never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form. 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.”

At a concert in Sydney on Sunday, Gass was asked to make a wish by his co-frontman, who replied, “Don’t miss Trump next time.” The joke drew widespread criticism, with one Australian senator demanding that the rock comedy be performed the group be expelled.

Gass himself apologized on Instagram today for making the remark: “The line I improvised on stage Sunday night in Sydney was highly inappropriate, dangerous, and a terrible mistake. I do not condone violence of any kind against anyone. What happened was a tragedy, and I am incredibly sorry for my serious lapse in judgment. I deeply apologize to those I have let down and sincerely regret any pain I have caused.”

The duo were scheduled to perform for one more week in Australia and then head to New Zealand. The concert’s local promoter had initially announced that tonight’s show was postponed, but Black later released the above statement regarding the tour’s cancellation altogether.

Tenacious D was also set to kick off a U.S. tour in October with a sold-out concert in Ohio for newly elected Republican Vice President Senator J.D. Vance. That tour also appears to be on hold.

A source told us that information on “remaining tour dates and refunds will be provided at a later date.”

Black makes no secret of his support for Democrats. On June 7, at a massive fundraiser in DTLA, a Black man dressed in stars and stripes overalls gave his unqualified support to the incumbent president. “When the president wins in November—yeah!—I’m pretty sure I’m going to get a sweet tribute in his victory speech for what I sacrificed to be here,” Black told the well-heeled crowd at the Peacock Theater. “Because when democracy is on the line, Jack Black steps up. Mr. President, you’re welcome.”