Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
BANG Premier
BANG Premier

Tenacious D star Kyle Gass 'felt terrible' after backlash over Donald Trump shooting joke

Tenacious D stars Kyle Gass and Jack Black

Kyle Gass has "felt terrible ever since" his controversial joke about Donald Trump's attempted assassination.

Back in July 2024, the Tenacious D guitarist sparked backlash after saying "don't miss Trump next time" in the aftermath of a shooter targeting the President of the United States.

His bandmate and friend Jack Black said in a statement at the time: "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.”

Now, the Tribute musician has confirmed the pair have "hashed it out", but he described his joke as a "terrible judgement".

He told Rolling Stone magazine: "I’ve felt terrible ever since, because it’s such a responsibility to not screw up like that...

“I wouldn’t wish it on anybody. It’s one of those things, once it was picked up, it just got worse and worse. It was a Defcon 2 for sure in the camp.

"And I did it. It was hard to take responsibility for it, but it was my f***-up."

Kyle - who has appeared in movies like Elf over his own career - insisted he understands why Jack needed to step away.

Reflecting on the fallout, he added: "When you’re in it, it’s hard to even think straight.

"It’s just this thing flooding and coming at you. We had to take the break. And I got it.

"Jack has this magnificent career; I can’t even count the franchises now. So as hard as it was, I just had to take the long ride home.”

Now, Kyle is hopeful he'll get to reunite with Jack on stage in the future.

He said: "It’s like a marriage. You go through these ups and downs, and try to understand your partner...

“We will serve no D-wine before it’s D-time — but we will be back. We will return.”

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.