Compensated for Viewing? Craigslist Ad Promises $50 for Those Willing to Watch Melania Trump Documentary
Amazon’s $40 million “icon” project is witnessing deserted theaters, as the internet mocks the vacant seats.
If you’ve ever wished to earn money while doing nothing, your opportunity has arrived, provided you’re okay with spending that time in a dimly lit theater watching the life story of Melania Trump.
While Donald Trump boasts on social media that the new documentary “Melania” is “selling out fast,” the actual situation appears to resemble a private screening for just one person. The circumstances have become so dire that a Craigslist advertisement recently gained widespread attention, offering Boston audiences complimentary tickets along with $50 simply to endure the film.
The advertisement, noticed and circulated by producer Nate Gilbert, came with few stipulations, save for one amusing requirement: you must actually remain present. “Join us for the MELANIA documentary at any theatre in the Boston area during opening weekend,” the post stated, offering “Free tickets + $50 for each seat filled,” along with a firm reminder that attendees “must stay in their seats for the duration of the film.”
It seems that the concern about individuals absconding with the money shortly after receiving it is quite genuine.
Amazon has reportedly invested a remarkable $40 million for the rights to this film, which depicts the First Lady’s journey leading up to the 2025 inauguration. Despite the support from Jeff Bezos, the box office figures appear to be a complete disappointment. Screenshots from ticketing sites reveal that at Boston’s largest theater, every seat remained unsold for opening night.
Journalist Jack Quann expressed similar feelings in Dublin, noting that merely 13 tickets were sold across two theaters. In Toronto, the circumstances were even more unfortunate, prompting one X user to quip, “Not one ticket sold yet for #Melania.” I hope this film earns seven dollars.
Forecasters such as CNN’s Harry Enten are estimating a total return of between $1 million and $5 million, which would represent a significant loss for Amazon, considering their overall $75 million investment when including marketing expenses.
As Trump dismisses the empty theaters as “fake news,” the rest of the world finds amusement in the reality that there’s a need to pay people to attend.
If you find yourself in the Boston area and are in need of a quick fifty, consider visiting the theater. Just be sure to bring a pillow, as remaining in that seat for the entire runtime could prove to be quite the challenge.
