Jimmy Kimmel has been accused of using his position at ABC to spread disinformation about the “Melania” documentary’s success. Despite the evidence, Kimmel claimed that its $7 million opening-weekend box office was rigged through bulk ticket purchases distributed to Republicans and seniors, and that its 99% Rotten Tomatoes audience score was manipulated.
However, major theatre chains like Regal and AMC reported no unusual bulk ticket purchases. Additionally, the logistics of buying 700,000 tickets are highly implausible given Trump’s massive voter base and cultural cache. Likewise, Versant, the parent company of review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, confirmed that verified, bot-free reviews and high audience metrics align with those of other review sites that have highly positive reviews.
Starting off his absurd allegations, so-called comedian Jimmy Kimmel claimed, “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.”
“There are reports now suggesting that those beautiful box office numbers may have been boosted by bulk ticket purchases that were handed out to people for free. Sources say there were signs that blocks of tickets to Melania were purchased and then distributed to Republican activists and senior citizens’ homes, which are really the same thing,” the biased late-night host asserted.
Still not done with his screed, he whined, “As of tonight, Melania has a score of 5% on Rotten Tomatoes from the critics. That is very low. The audience score for Melania is 99% positive. Which is 1% higher than The Godfather. And I’m sure Donald J. Corleone had nothing to do with that at all. We need to get to the bottom of this. Send in Tulsi Gabbard and the FBI.”
However, Versant, Rotten Tomatoes’ parent company, issued a statement that debunked Kimmel’s comments. “There has been no bot manipulation on the audience reviews for the ‘Melania’ documentary. Reviews displayed on the Popcornmeter are VERIFIED reviews, meaning it has been verified that users have bought a ticket to the film,” the conglomerate noted.
Likewise, another industry source declared, “[T]he exit scores [for Melania] are quite royal with an A CinemaScore, 5 stars on Screen Engine/Comscore’s PostTrak, and get this — an 89% definite recommend; unheard of for any movie. If a movie is in the 70 percentile range, that’s outstanding.”
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As we reported at the American Tribune, the film invited viewers to, “Step inside Melania Trump’s world as she orchestrates inauguration plans, navigates the complexities of the White House transition, and moves her family back to the Nation’s Capital.” “With exclusive footage capturing critical meetings, private conversations, and never-before-seen environments, MELANIA showcases Mrs. Trump’s return to one of the world’s most powerful roles,” the same description noted.
Initial reactions on social media were positive. “Last night I saw, “MELANIA,” for the second time. The audience loved it, and so do I. Check it out — A MUST SEE!” In the comments under this message, conservatives gave their own reactions,” one review read.
Watch Melania comment on her movie here: