Chris Rock Walks Out of Billionaire’s Holiday Party Mid-Performance
Rock Escapes the Spotlight
I may not have witnessed mommy sharing a kiss with Santa Claus, but I did see Chris Rock give a cold shoulder to a gathering of VIPs. I was right there.
On Saturday night, after months of anticipation, attendees received a special invitation. The host for the evening was Anthony Pratt, the executive chairman of Pratt Industries, whose high-profile advertisements are a staple in the NY Times. The Pratt family holds a prominent status in Australia.
This was a blend of business and holiday cheer, with Anthony’s Christmas bash outshining Biden’s financial affairs.
The event unfolded within the intertwined ballrooms of the Mandarin Oriental hotel, featuring a seated dinner with multiple courses, attended by waitstaff, security, and all the usual types. Not only did he cater to his clients, but also honored longtime employees among the guests.
A concert by Keith Urban was set to follow. Mrs. Urban — also Australian — is Nicole Kidman.
I was seated next to none other than George Hamilton, 85, who seemed to have a more youthful appearance than I do.
The first course featured comedian Wali Collins, who delivered jabs at today’s political figures.
With zingers like “Presidents don’t even hold that much significance” and a mention of “pregnant slaves” that invoked Bill Clinton, he tackled his mixed heritage with humor: “My father is black. My mother is left-handed.”
Pratt’s occasion was nothing if not extravagant. Just when everyone thought dinner was at its peak, surprise! Chris Rock appeared onstage without any prior announcement — he had remained under wraps until that moment.
Sporting a casual outfit — though likely more expensive than the sirloin — he joked, “Our new initiative will focus on outer space. We’ll send all the Mexicans on rockets.”
This remark ignited huge applause and palpable excitement among the attendees.
The set was surprisingly brief; just a few minutes in, Rock noticed something that escaped the audience’s eye. While we were facing the stage, he turned to look behind us at the back walls and exit doors.
Whatever caught his attention seemed to unsettle him. In a moment of frustration, he yelled something about not being recorded or filmed, as if he felt he was in violation of some unwritten rule.
He didn’t issue any complaints or explanations, and abruptly cut his set short. He rushed through the crowd toward the exit, ranting loudly as he departed — never to return.
The shocked audience found solace in Keith Urban’s performance. He entertained for an hour and a half, filling the room with music and prompting audience participation, leaving all but Rock in high spirits.
Who knows if Pratt will be getting his deposit back.
Traffic Taming Idea
Here’s a thought: tackle traffic congestion by checking license plate numbers. Vehicles with plates ending in even numbers can enter NYC on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, while odd-numbered plates can do so on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. This method would help reduce congestion, similar to the bi-annual clock changes — and twice a year, the even and odd rules can swap.
You’re welcome.
A cannabis company has recently developed a new nicotine-infused lollipop, currently being tested in DC. So, it’s official: politics is getting even more bizarre.
It’s not just in New York, folks; it’s everywhere.
