It’s been a tumultuous week for Tenacious D and Kyle Gass, one half of the band’s founding members. Following a controversial joke about the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump’s life, Gass has been dropped by his talent agency, and the band is on an indefinite hiatus.
The incident occurred after a show in Sydney, Australia, on Gass’s 64th birthday. While blowing out the candles on his birthday cake, Gass jokingly wished that the next would-be assassin “don’t miss Trump next time.” This remark referenced the attempted assassination of Trump that occurred the same day in Butler, Pennsylvania. Although clips show Jack Black laughing and shrugging off the comment, he quickly distanced himself from the band on social media, stating he was “blindsided” and that “all future creative plans are on hold.”
In response to the backlash, Gass issued an apology on social media:
“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 judgment. I profoundly apologize to those I’ve let down and truly regret any pain I’ve caused.”
Gass’s comments have led to significant consequences, affecting both his career and the future of Tenacious D.
