(NEXSTAR) – Actor and comedian Jack Black, who also performs with Kyle Gass as part of the rock duo Tenacious D, has seemingly announced that he is taking a hiatus from the band following Gass’ remarks concerning the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump.
Gass, on Sunday during a show in Australia, was presented with a birthday cake, footage from the concert shows. Black asked Gass to make a wish, to which Gass replied, “Don’t miss Trump next time.”
Gass and Black subsequently became the target of backlash on social media, even from users who claimed to be former fans of the duo’s work.
On Tuesday morning, Black responded to the controversy, indicating that he was taking a break from Tenacious D.
“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,” Black wrote in a statement shared on Instagram.
“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 did not say whether the Tenacious D tour would resume at a future date without him, or whether Tenacious D would cancel all upcoming dates entirely. As of Tuesday morning, Tenacious D’s official website still listed several upcoming tour dates in Australia and New Zealand as well as others in the U.S. Midwest.
Black, a vocal supporter of President Joe Biden, endorsed the president for reelection at a fundraiser in Los Angeles in June.
“I’m pretty sure I’m going to get a sweet shoutout in [Biden’s] victory speech for what I gave up to be here. Because when democracy is at stake, Jack Black answers the call,” Black joked during his speech, while wearing a pair of American flag-print overalls. “Mr. President, you’re welcome.”