Tenacious D’s Kyle Gass dropped by agent after Donald Trump assassination remark
Following the comments Tenacious D’s Kyle Gass made about the attempted assassination of Donald Trump on-stage in Australia, it’s been reported that Gass has been dropped by his agent over the controversial remark.
On July 14th, during a performance in Sydney, Australia, Gass celebrated his 64th birthday at Tenacious D’s gig. After his bandmate Jack Black sang ‘Happy Birthday’ with a cake, Gass was asked to make a wish. “Don’t miss Trump next time,” he said to the crowd, leading to a significant portion of the audience to laugh.
The comment arrived a day after the attempted assassination of Trump at an election rally in Pennsylvania. The shooter was identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, who was shot dead at the scene by a Secret Service sniper. Trump’s ear was pierced, but no further injuries were sustained and he’s since returned to campaigning. However, Corey Comperatore, who was in attendance at the rally, was fatally killed.
Whether it was an attempt to be humorous or not, Gass’ comment was not taken lightheartedly. Immediately, there was outrage over his remark, beginning with calls for the musical duo to be deported from Australia.
Furthermore, on July 16th, Black announced that the band were cancelling the rest of the tour and going on hiatus with immediate effect after claiming he was “blindsided” by his bandmate’s comment. “I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form,” he wrote on social media, adding, “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 also put out a statement apologising for his comment. “The line I improvised onstage Sunday night in Sydney was highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake,” he said.
The musician continued, “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.”
However, it appears that Gass’ apology can’t save him from further consequences, as The Hollywood Reporter have reported that the musician has now been dropped by his agent. The publication said Michael Greene of Greene & Associates Talent Agency is no longer representing the guitarist on account of the comments made in Australia.
Tenacious D were supposed to play six more shows on their tour of Australia and New Zealand, before heading to North America in October for a string of shows. Now, the future of the band looks uncertain as the entertainment world seems to be shutting its doors on Gass.
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