Kyle Gass Apologizes for Trump Assassination Comments at Tenacious D Concert

Tenacious D member Kyle Gass has apologized on social media following his controversial remark about the attempted assassination of Donald Trump. Gass admitted that the remark was “highly inappropriate, dangerous, and a terrible mistake.” Amid the controversy, his bandmate Jack Black announced that Tenacious D was canceling his current tour and “all future creative projects.” Gass was also fired by his talent agency Greene Talent.

At the band’s concert in Australia on July 14, Black surprised Gass by bringing out a cake on stage to celebrate Gass’s 64th birthday. This was a spontaneous moment during the concert, not a pre-planned one. Black asked Gass to make a wish as he blew out the candles, to which Gass responded, “Don’t miss Trump next time.”

“The line I improvised on stage Sunday night in Sydney was completely inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake,” Gass wrote in a statement. “I do not condone violence of any kind against anyone.”

“What happened was a tragedy, and I am extremely sorry for my serious lapse in judgment,” Gass added. “I sincerely apologize to those I let down and sincerely regret any pain I may have caused.”

Black wrote in his own statement that he was “caught off guard” by Gass’s comment, adding: “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.”

Information on Tenacious D’s remaining tour dates and how fans can access refunds will be provided at a later date. In addition to their current tour, Tenacious D was also scheduled to play a series of concerts in October in support of Rock the Vote, the non-partisan nonprofit organization that encourages young people to vote.

Tenacious D was performing at the ICC Theatre in Sydney, Australia, the day after the assassination attempt on Trump, when Gass made the controversial comment. Trump was shot in the ear by a live round at a July 13 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, after a gunman opened fire from an elevated position outside the venue. One person in the crowd was killed by the gunfire and two others were seriously injured.

Read Gass’ full apology statement in the Instagram post below.