"I was blindsided by what was said at the show" — Jack Black breaks his silence on Tenacious D member Kyle Gass' Trump comment 

American actor and member of the comedy rock duo Tenacious D, Jack Black, recently broke his silence regarding a statement made by his colleague Kyle Gass about Donald Trump. On July 14, 2024, Tenacious D performed in Sydney, where they celebrated Kyle Gass' birthday.

When Kyle was asked to make a wish before cutting the cake, he jokingly commented, "Don't miss Trump next time," referring to the assassination attempt made on Donald Trump on the same day.

Following the statement, Australian federal senator Ralph Babet issued a letter stating that Kyle and Jack Black should be deported from Australia. In response, Tenacious D canceled their July 16, 2024, show at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre. Commenting on his bandmate's statement, Jack Black mentioned in an Instagram post on July 16, 2024:

"I was blindsided by what was said at the show on Sunday. I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form."

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"I no longer feel it is appropriate to continue the Tenacious D tour" — Jack Black addresses Kyle Gass' comment on Trump

Kyle Gass' comment on Donald Trump's assassination attempt brought Jack Black and Tenacious D onto the political radar, resulting in the comedy rock duo canceling their second show in Australia.

In the letter issued by Australian federal senator Ralph Babet, it was stated that the band should be immediately removed from Australia after "wishing for the assassination of Donald Trump at their Sydney concert.”

The senator mentioned that it was egregious of Tenacious D to advocate for or wish for the assassination of the president. He added:

"This was not a joke, he was deadly serious when he wished for the death of the President.”

Suggesting anything less than deportation would be an endorsement of the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, the Australian federal senator requested Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to revoke Tenacious D's visas and deport them at once.

In response to the controversy, Jack Black condemned his bandmate's joke and announced the cancellation of the tour in an Instagram post:

“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.”

Jack Black has also faced backlash from Trump supporters because he extended his support to the presidential nominee and Trump's opposition, Joe Biden, during a fundraiser for Biden on June 15, 2024. The fundraiser event raised $30 million and featured the presence of Jimmy Kimmel, Julia Roberts, and George Clooney.

However, it was Jack's speech that made headlines, given that the Tenacious D member delivered it while wearing overalls with the American flag printed on them. During the fundraiser, the Tribute singer joked about missing an emcee gig at a bat mitzvah, the opening of the new Jack in the Box at Oxnard, and being a judge at an Imperial Valley Avocado Festival to be at the fundraiser.

In his speech, Jack stated that he was sure to get a shout-out in Biden's victory speech and mentioned:

"Because when democracy is at stake, Jack Black answers the call. Mr. President, you’re welcome."

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Meanwhile, Kyle Gass also took to Instagram to apologize for his comment. In his post, Kyle called his statement "highly inappropriate, dangerous, and a terrible mistake."