Kyle Gass Dropped by Talent Agency Over Trump Assassination Joke
It’s been a rough couple of days for Tenacious D. After band member Kyle Gass made a joke about the attempt on former President Donald Trump’s life over the weekend, the band’s effectively on indefinite hiatus and it’s questionable if things will ever get back to normal at this point. As it turns out though, that’s not the end of the repercussions, as Gass’ talent agency has cut ties with him as well.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Gass’ agent Michael Greene of Green & Associates Talent Agency has cut ties with the 64-year-old musician.
For context, Gass was celebrating his 64th birthday while the D was playing a show in Sydney, Australia that so happened to coincide with the assassination attempt. After blowing out candles on his cake, he was asked what he wished for, to which he responded: “Don’t miss Trump next time.”
Sure, it was a dark joke during a particularly dark time in American politics, but largely innocuous in comparison to some of the heinous shit Trump and his supporters say on the regular. As a result, at least one Australian politician called for Tenacious D to be deported from the country.
Following the show, Gass’ bandmate and major motion picture actor Jack Black issued a statement revealing that he didn’t agree with the joke, that the band’s ongoing tour was canceled, and that Tenacious D was being put on the shelf.
“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. 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 issued an apology for the joke, stating that he didn’t “condone violence of any kind.”
“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 apologize to those I’ve let down and truly regret any pain I’ve caused.”
So there ya go. Somehow the very people that want to “legalize comedy” and complain about how comics can’t say anything because of the “woke mob” suddenly get up in arms over someone on the other side making a dark joke about their favorite orange man.
We’ll see if Tenacious D ever do anything again. If they don’t that would be a big bummer, for sure.
