The guitarist of Tenacious D, Kyle Gass, has reportedly been let go by his talent agency after making a controversial remark about Donald Trump at a recent show. According to TMZ and The Hollywood Reporter, Michael Greene of Greene & Associates Talent Agency is no longer representing Gass, due to the comments made on stage. When Jack Black sang “Happy Birthday” to Gass at a show in Sydney, Australia, the guitarist quipped, “Don’t miss Trump next time” a day after the assassination attempt on President Trump. The comment sparked a great deal of controversy, even prompting Australian politicians to call for deportation of the band.
In response to the comment, Tenacious D canceled the remainder of their tour and went on hiatus. Black said he was “blindsided” by Gass’ remark 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.” Gass issued an apology, saying “The line I improvised onstage Sunday night in Sydney was highly inappropriate, dangerous, and a terrible mistake.”
Tenacious D were scheduled to perform another six shows in Australia and New Zealand before heading to North America for a series of dates in October. The comment by Gass was in reference to the failed assassination attempt on Trump at a rally he held in Pennsylvania on July 13. The shooter, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was shot dead by a Secret Service sniper at the scene.
This controversy shows the power of celebrities’ words and the impact they can have on their careers. The decision by his talent agency, along with the cancellation of their tour and hiatus, demonstrates the serious consequences of making inappropriate and potentially harmful comments. It also highlights the responsibility that comes with being an entertainer in the public eye and the need to weigh the potential impact of their words
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