Fans have turned on Hollywood star and Tenacious D singer Jack Black following bandmate Kyle Gass’s sick joke about the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.
The comment was delivered during the rock duo’s show at the International Convention Centre in Sydney on Sunday night, when Black brought out Gass a 64th birthday cake and asked him to make a wish.
“Don’t miss Trump next time,” Gass said as he blew out the candles.
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The dark comment was made just hours after a gunman fired on Trump at a Pennsylvania rally in Butler, killing one rally attendee, injuring another and grazing Trump’s upper right ear with one of the shots.
The FBI has identified the shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, who was shot dead by Secret Service agents.
Following the controversy, furious fans flocked to Black’s Instagram page, with many furious about the joke, as well as Black not standing by bandmade, Kyle Gass.
“Unfollowed after your recent political antics, it’s not funny. Bye,” one fan wrote.
“I am no fan of Trump. But after tonight, I am no longer a fan of yours either,” another wrote.
“Won’t be watching anymore of this guy’s stuff unfortunately,” yet another wrote.
“Sorry Jack but I’m out,” another added.
Meanwhile, other fans expected Black to standby Gass, following the incident.
“Jack Black turning on Kyle Gass is legitimately upsetting to me, I’m gonna have to take a long walk,” one fan wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
“Jack Black should not be praised. Kyle Gass was the sacrificial lamb,” another wrote on the platform.
Black cancelled the rest of the band’s Australian tour dates in the wake of the controversy, while Gass has been dropped by his talent agency, Greene and Associates.
“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,” Black said in a statement posted to Instagram.
“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 since issued a grovelling apology for the joke.
“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.
“I profoundly apologise to those I’ve let down and truly regret any pain I’ve caused.”