Jack Black ended the Tenacious D tour following a contentious comment made by his bandmate Kyle Gass during their July 14, 2024, performance at ICC Sydney Theatre. The situation escalated after George Clooney reportedly pressured Black to take swift action in response to Gass’s inflammatory remark related to an attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump.
The incident occurred when Black presented Gass with a birthday cake on stage to honor his 64th birthday. Gass then made a shocking comment, saying, “Don’t miss Trump next time.” This came just one day after Trump was grazed in the ear during a shooting at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where alleged gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire.
George Clooney’s Intervention Following the Controversy
Journalist Andrew Callaghan revealed in an interview with Hunter Biden that Clooney directly contacted Jack Black after the comment gained attention. Clooney allegedly pressured Black into distancing himself from Gass and stopping the tour altogether. Callaghan described Clooney’s approach as intense, essentially giving Black an ultimatum.
If you don’t kick your bandmember out of the band and, like, publicly denounce this guy — like I don’t know what the consequences were, but it was kind of like, ‘You’re out!’
Callaghan said.
Out of what, we don’t know. And so his hand was basically forced.
Jack Black’s Response and Tour Cancellation
Following the backlash, Jack Black issued a statement condemning the remarks and announcing the end of the Tenacious D tour. He said,
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 further explained his decision, stating,
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.
Hunter Biden’s Reaction and Additional Controversy
The allegations about Clooney’s involvement surfaced during Callaghan’s interview with Hunter Biden, who responded with vehement criticism directed at Clooney. Biden passionately declared,
Fuck him! Fuck him and everybody around him!
He also referenced filmmaker Quentin Tarantino, adding,
I agree with Quentin Tarantino. Fucking George Clooney is not a fucking actor. He is a fucking, like, I don’t know what he is. He’s a brand.
In a complex twist, Biden then briefly praised Clooney before resuming his harsh tone:
And by the way and God bless him, you know what? He supposedly treats his friends really well, he buys them things and he’s got a really great place in Lake Como and he’s great friends with Barack Obama. Fuck you! What do you have to do with fucking anything? Why do I have to fucking listen to you?
Uncertainty Surrounds Tenacious D’s Future Amid Silence from Representatives
Neither George Clooney nor Jack Black’s representatives have issued official statements regarding these claims or the abrupt end of the Tenacious D tour. This silence has left fans doubtful about the band’s immediate future and the influence Hollywood figures may have had on the decision.
The controversy highlights the tension surrounding political discourse in entertainment and the swift repercussions artists may face when addressing sensitive topics publicly.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What film did Jack Black regret?
A. Jack Black shared that he regrets being part of the 2001 movie ‘Shallow Hal.’ He mentioned, “I got a chance to work with people I found funny, but the outcome wasn’t what I expected.” Black also said, “I didn’t feel proud of the movie, and even though I earned a lot, looking back, it seems like I compromised my values for money.”
Q. What religion is Jack Black?
A. Despite not believing in God, Black considers himself culturally Jewish and chose to bring up his kids in Judaism because of parenthood. Black supported Barack Obama’s campaign for re-election in 2012. In 2015, he traveled to Kampala for Comic Relief USA’s Red Nose Day event.
