Fans of School of Rock and Kung Fu Panda star Jack Black have turned on the once-beloved actor after he canceled the Tenacious D tour following comments made by his bandmate Kyle Gass regarding the recent Donald Trump assassination attempt. Black, who has long been one of the most well-liked talents in Hollywood, has faced serious backlash from all sides as many took to social media to condemn the initial comments and his reaction, while others have questioned his actions since.
The comment was made by Gass during Tenacious D’s performance in Australia on July 14, with Gass being presented with a birthday cake on stage. Asked to make a wish, he said “Don’t miss Trump next time,” with Black laughing at the controversial joke. Black has since released a statement in which he said the tour will now be canceled and “all future creative plans” involving Tenacious D will now be put “on hold.”
Some fans have taken to X/Twitter to question the response, particularly when taken in context with previous Tenacious D projects. “Not Jack Black throwing Kyle Gass under the bus for making a joke about Trump. What an absolute coward,” said one reaction, “You literally have a song about Donald Trump being in the KKK, “March”. Yet draw the line at KG saying, “I hope they don’t miss next time.” This is so weak.”
Many have criticized Black for turning his back on Gass, with the pair having been friends for decades. “Did Jack Black get replaced by a significantly lamer version of himself what is goin on with him lately ,” said another reaction, while another wonders if this is a case of the Streisand effect, “No offense to Jack Black but I don’t think this was a big enough news story until he posted this statement lol it would have been forgotten in like a week.”
Is Jack Black Just Trying to Protect His ‘Bowser Money’?
Some have also questioned the motives of Black’s response, with fans wondering if he has put so much of the onus on Gass in order to protect his “Bowser money,” referring to his role as the Nintendo villain in the hugely successful The Super Mario Bros. Movie and its upcoming sequel.
In his statement, Black said he was “blindsided” by Gass’ comment, adding that he would “never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form. 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.” Gass has also since apologized, and you can read his statement below.
“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 judgement,” Gass added. “I profoundly apologize to those I’ve let down and truly regret any pain I’ve caused.”
You can check out some more reactions to the Tenacious D fallout below…