Jack Black’s bandmate in the rock band Tenacious D, Kyle Gass, recently sparked uproar after he made an abhorrent comment during a performance in Sydney, Australia, in the wake of the Trump assassination attempt. Since the controversial remark, Gass issued an apology for the “dangerous” comment and has since been dropped by his talent agency.
During the performance in question, Gass stated, “Don’t miss Trump next time,” when asked by Black to make a birthday wish. The comment came just hours after 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks barely missed Trump, grazing his ear with a bullet that was millimeters away from a lethal headshot. The Butler, Pennsylvania rally shooting killed one Trump supporter, Core Comperatore, who died protecting his family from the gunfire.
Variety reported on Gass’ follow-up statement, which read, “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.” He continued, “What happened was a tragedy, and I’m incredibly sorry for my severe lack of judgement. I profoundly apologize to those I’ve let down and truly regret any pain I’ve caused.”
Black offered his own statement addressing the matter, “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.” The “School of Rock” star added that the current Tenacious D tour would be suspended. “After much reflection, I no longer feel it is appropriate to continue the Tenacious D tour, and all future creative plans are on hold,” he said. “I am grateful to the fans for their support and understanding.” Furthermore, TMZ reported that Gass’ talent management team dropped him following the comments.
Former President and now-Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump posted a statement on his social media platform Truth Social noting that it was “God alone” who protected him from the violence at the rally. He maintained that he would not be governed by fear moving toward the election, expressing faith and defiance after the attempted assassination.
“Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers yesterday, as it was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening. We will FEAR NOT, but instead remain resilient in our Faith and Defiant in the face of Wickedness. Our love goes out to the other victims and their families. We pray for the recovery of those who were wounded, and hold in our hearts the memory of the citizen who was so horribly killed. In this moment, it is more important than ever that we stand United, and show our True Character as Americans, remaining Strong and Determined, and not allowing Evil to Win. I truly love our Country, and love you all, and look forward to speaking to our Great Nation this week from Wisconsin,” he wrote.
Following the attempt on Trump’s life, conservatives have condemned the violent rhetoric from the left, as demonstrated by Gass’ onstage comments. For years, President Biden and top-ranking Democrats have pushed a divisive narrative that Trump is an existential threat to American Democracy. Watch the incident below where Kyle Gass wished for the shooter not to miss:
Note: The featured image is a screenshot from the embedded.
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