It has been reported that Tenacious D‘s Kyle Gass has been dropped by his talent agency following a remark he made about Donald Trump over the weekend.
Both TMZ and The Hollywood Reporter have claimed independently that Michael Greene of Greene & Associates Talent Agency is no longer representing the guitarist. The decision appears to be a result of Gass’ comments on stage at a recent show.
On Sunday (July 14), a day after the assassination attempt on Trump, Tenacious D were playing a show in Sydney, Australia. As it was also Gass’ 64th birthday, his bandmate Jack Black sang him ‘Happy Birthday’ on stage before asking him to make a wish. Gass said, “Don’t miss Trump next time.”
Gass’ comment sparked plenty of controversy, with an Australian politician even calling for the duo to be deported from the country.
Today, the band cancelled the remainder of the tour and went on hiatus following a statement from Black. He said he was “blindsided” by Gass’ comment, and added: “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.”
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For his part, Gass said: “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.”
Tenacious D were due to play another six shows on their tour of Australia and New Zealand, before a series of dates in North America in October.
Gass’ comment referred to the failed assassination attempt on Trump at a rally the former President – who’s running again this year – held in Pennsylvania on Saturday (July 13).
The shooter, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was shot dead at the scene by a Secret Service sniper.