George Clooney is reported to have compelled Tenacious D’s Jack Black to end the band’s tour following a controversial onstage remark from guitarist Kyle Gass, made shortly after an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump in 2024. This development unfolded amid growing public backlash after Gass referenced Thomas Matthew Crooks, the alleged shooter, in a troubling comment during a Sydney concert.
Details of the Controversial Incident and Clooney’s Response
The incident came to light through an interview with Hunter Biden conducted by reporter Andrew Callaghan, who revealed that Clooney pressured Jack Black to sever ties with Gass following a disturbing remark made on stage. According to Callaghan, Gass made a comment during a Tenacious D performance the day after the reported assassination attempt on Trump, whose ear was reportedly grazed by a bullet fired by Crooks in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Callaghan recounted,
“My only really famous Hollywood friend is actor Jack Black, we used to be neighbors in [Los Angeles], and Tenancious D did a concert in Sydney Australia, and, this is the day after they tried to assassinate Trump, and I guess Jack Black’s guitarist or whatever jumps up on stage, and he yells something into the effect of ‘Hey, next time you try to shoot Trump, aim a little bit closer.’”
—Andrew Callaghan, Reporter
This comment sparked immediate outrage, prompting Clooney to reportedly contact Jack Black repeatedly, urging him to distance himself publicly from Gass and remove him from the band as a consequence of the statement. As Callaghan explained,
“George Clooney is blowing his phone up, being like, ‘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!’ Out of what, we don’t know. And so his hand was basically forced to be like, ‘Oh, sorry, my bandmember has serious mental-health problems. We’re breaking up the band for now. The tour is canceled.’”
—Andrew Callaghan, Reporter
Hunter Biden’s Heated Criticism of Clooney Amid the Fallout
During the interview, Hunter Biden expressed strong grievances against George Clooney. He voiced frustration over Clooney’s efforts to influence the band’s breakup and criticized Clooney’s public persona. Biden’s anger was palpable, as he shouted,
“Fuck him and everybody around him!”
and later added,
“I don’t have to be fucking nice! Number one. 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.”
—Hunter Biden, interviewee
Despite the harsh words, Biden also acknowledged Clooney’s personal generosity and social connections, stating,
“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?”
—Hunter Biden, interviewee
Context of the Sydney Performance and Band’s Statement
The incident occurred on July 14, 2024, when Tenacious D performed at the ICC Sydney Theatre in Australia, one day after the shooting at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. During the concert, Jack Black presented a cake to Kyle Gass to celebrate his 64th birthday. Upon asking Gass for a birthday wish, Gass responded with the statement, “Don’t miss Trump next time.”
Following the event, Jack Black released a statement addressing the controversy:
“I was blindsided by what was said at the show on Sunday,”
he said.
“I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form.”
—Jack Black, musician
Black further announced significant consequences for the band’s future, 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.”
—Jack Black, musician
Implications for Tenacious D and Broader Cultural Impact
The sudden breakup of Tenacious D and cancellation of their tour illustrates the growing sensitivity surrounding public discourse on political violence, particularly when linked to high-profile figures like Trump. George Clooney’s reported intervention highlights the increasing role of celebrity influence in managing public relations crises within the entertainment industry.
This controversy also underscores tensions between freedom of expression and the responsibilities of public figures in the age of political polarization. The reaction from Clooney and Jack Black reflects a broader concern about the impact of inflammatory rhetoric on fans and the public.
As events continue to develop, the entertainment community will likely observe how this incident influences band dynamics, public statements, and the handling of politically charged remarks in live performances. The future of Tenacious D remains uncertain as fans await further updates from the band’s members and their representatives.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did George Clooney go to Harvard?
A. George Clooney went to Northern Kentucky University and the University of Cincinnati but did not finish his degree at either school.
