In some bad news, Jack Black has cancelled Tenacious D's upcoming New Zealand gigs after being "blindsided" by his bandmate Kyle Gass' recent joke about Donald Trump.
Black cancelled the comedy rock band's Spicy Meatball Tour overnight after Gass made a joke about the attempted assassination of the former U.S. president and presidential candidate over the weekend.
"I was blindsided by what was said at the show on Sunday," Black said in a statement posted on Instagram. "I 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."
Adding, "I am grateful to the fans for their support and understanding."
Gass made the controversial joke during a show in Sydney on Sunday. On stage, he was asked to make a wish after being presented with a birthday cake, to which he replied, "Don't miss Trump next time."
The joke came hours after Trump's ear was grazed by a bullet at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday.
Gass has also taken to Instagram to share a statement, saying: “The line I improvised Sunday night in Sydney was highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake,” he wrote Tuesday. “I don't condone violence in any kind, in any form, against anyone. What happened was a tragedy, and I'm incredibly sorry for my severe lack of judgement.”
Shortly after Sunday's concert, the Tribute rockers were heavily criticised online, with Australian Senator Ralph Babet even declaring the duo should be deported.
The band were due to play a series of shows in Australia and New Zealand before heading to the U.S. in October to continue their tour.
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