Jimmy Kimmel Skeptical of 'Melania' Documentary's Surprise Box Office Success
Late-night television host Jimmy Kimmel has expressed significant skepticism regarding the reported financial triumph of the new documentary focusing on former First Lady Melania Trump. The film, titled simply "Melania," reportedly defied both low expectations and harsh critical reviews to earn an impressive $7 million at the box office during its opening weekend. This figure marks the largest debut for a non-music documentary in over a decade, a surprising outcome that has raised eyebrows in entertainment circles.
Questions Over Empty Theaters and Bulk Purchases
In his recent monologue, Kimmel highlighted the apparent contradiction between the strong sales numbers and the perceived lack of audience interest leading up to the release. "A lot of people, myself included, have been wondering how this movie managed to sell $7 million worth of tickets last weekend when almost every theater seemed to be empty leading up to the release," Kimmel remarked. He pointed to emerging reports suggesting that the sales may have been artificially boosted through bulk-ticket purchases. These involve blocks of tickets bought by a single entity and then distributed for free, potentially at venues like senior living facilities, to inflate attendance figures.
Historical Precedent with Trump Family Promotions
Kimmel bolstered his skepticism by referencing a past incident involving the Trump family. He reminded viewers that in 2019, the Republican National Committee purchased $100,000 worth of copies of Donald Trump Jr.'s book, "Triggered," to include in swag bags. This tactic was allegedly employed to help the book achieve bestseller status on the New York Times list. Subsequent disclosure forms revealed that the RNC ultimately spent a reported $300,000 on the book. "Don Jr.'s book debuted number one on the New York Times bestseller list despite the fact that no one has ever read it," Kimmel quipped. "No one has ever even opened that book."
Call for Investigation with a Satirical Twist
Applying a layer of political satire, Kimmel humorously suggested that the situation warrants a serious investigation, echoing conspiracy theories about the 2020 election. "We need to get to the bottom of this. Send in Tulsi Gabbard and the FBI," he urged with evident irony. "Seize the ticket machines, the popcorn buckets, the box office receipts at every multiplex in America." This commentary was delivered during his Wednesday night monologue, blending entertainment critique with pointed political observation.
The controversy underscores ongoing debates about transparency in media promotions and the methods used to generate apparent success for projects associated with high-profile political figures. As the documentary continues its theatrical run, questions about its genuine audience reach versus orchestrated support are likely to persist in public discourse.
