Tenacious D’s Kyle Gass deletes Instagram apology for Donald Trump shooting comment
Kyle Gass deleted his Instagram post where he apologized for making a joke about the attempted assassination of Donald Trump.
At Tenacious D’s concert in Sydney, Australia on July 14, Jack Black presented Gass, 64, with a birthday cake and told him to make a wish.
“Don’t miss Trump next time,” Gass said.
The comment, which was uttered one day after Trump, 78, was shot in the ear at a Butler, Pennsylvania rally, sparked widespread backlash.
Gass released an apology on Instagram and said his remark was “highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake.”
“I don’t condone violence of any kind, in any form, against anyone,” he wrote in his message. “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.”
Gass has since deleted the apology post.
After Gass made the controversial remark, Tenacious D canceled the rest of its “Spicy Meatball Tour.”
The Post also confirmed that Gass was dropped by his talent agency, Greene Talent, due to the backlash.
Black, 54, addressed the controversy and said he was “blindsided” by his bandmate’s comment.
“I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form,” the “School of Rock” star said in a statement to The Post.
“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,” Black added.
Black released the same statement on Instagram. Unlike Gass, he has not deleted the post.
The “Kung Fu Panda” star stepped out in Los Angeles this weekend. He had on a T-shirt depicting a phoenix rising from the ashes. He also wore a bucket hat, glasses and headphones.
Both members of Tenacious D have been vocal about their disdain for Trump.
Black made a speech at President Joe Biden’s re-election campaign in Los Angeles last month. Former President Barack Obama, Jimmy Kimmel, George Clooney and Julia Roberts also took part in the event, which raised over $30 million.
“And when the president wins in November — yeah! — I’m pretty sure I’m going to get a sweet shout-out in his victory speech for what I gave up to be here,” Black said in his speech. “Because when democracy is at stake, Jack Black answers the call. Mr. President, you’re welcome.”
On July 13, Trump was shot by 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, who was perched on a roof about 130 yards from the stage where the former president was speaking.
Crooks was shot and killed by the Secret Service.
Trump addressed the shooting in an exclusive interview with The Post on July 14, calling it a “very surreal experience.”
“The doctor at the hospital said he never saw anything like this, he called it a miracle,” Trump said.
Trump made his first public appearance after the attempt on his life at the GOP convention in Milwaukee on July 15. He was joined by his new running mate, Republican Sen. JD Vance from Ohio.