Jack Black, known for his comedic antics and musical prowess, is under fire for his response to a tasteless joke made by his longtime friend and bandmate, Kyle Gass of Tenacious D.
The incident unfolded during a performance in Sydney, Australia, where Gass sparked outrage with a remark about the recent attempt on former President Donald Trump’s life.
During a birthday celebration on stage, Black presented Gass with a cake and asked him to make a wish.
In a moment that quickly turned contentious, Gass quipped, ‘Don’t miss Trump next time,’ referring crudely to the near-miss assassination attempt on Trump.
Instead of standing by Gass, with whom he has shared a friendship since the mid-1980s, Black opted to distance himself from the guitarist.
He swiftly announced the end of their band’s tour and effectively severed their working relationship.
Fan Backlash and Criticism
The fallout was immediate and severe, with fans accusing Black of betrayal and cowardice for abandoning Gass over a single comment.
Many loyal supporters of Tenacious D expressed disappointment, questioning Black’s decision to cancel the remainder of their tour abruptly.
Online Reactions
Social media platforms erupted with divided opinions, with some defending Black’s stance against hate speech and political violence, while others criticized him for allegedly prioritizing his celebrity status over a decades-long partnership.
Black’s Statement
In response to the controversy, Jack Black released a statement expressing his shock at Gass’s comments and emphasized his stance against hate speech and political violence.
He apologized to fans and announced the indefinite suspension of all creative plans for Tenacious D.
Industry Reactions
The incident also drew reactions from industry figures, with radio host Kyle Sandilands banning Tenacious D from his show indefinitely.
Frontier Touring, the concert promoter, issued full refunds to disappointed ticket holders across Australia and New Zealand.
Conclusion
As debates continue over the appropriate response to controversial remarks, the future of Tenacious D remains uncertain.
Jack Black’s decision to part ways with his longtime friend and bandmate has sparked intense scrutiny and divided opinions among fans and industry insiders alike.