Despite US President Donald Trump’s claims that the new documentary about his wife was “selling out fast”, opening night data from the film’s Boston screenings showed nearly empty theatres.
There was also an apparent effort to buy an audience for the First Lady’s documentary, “Melania”, which chronicled her private life leading up to the 2025 inauguration.
As early ticket sales appeared sluggish nationwide, a Craigslist advertisement found by producer Nate Gilbert offering free tickets plus $50 to anyone willing to sit through the film in Boston went viral, Axios reported.
“Attend MELANIA documentary at any Boston area theatre during opening weekend (this upcoming weekend),” the Craigslist ad reads. “Free tickets + $50 per seat occupied.”
“Must remain in seats for entirety of film.”
Netizens react over empty theatres
The discovery of the ad followed reports that Melania was not selling tickets on its own merits.
“Not a single ticket sold for the opening night of Melania at Boston’s largest theater,” Gilbert reported with screenshot evidence.
Others checked their own local theatres and often found similar results, with either no or just a few seats sold.
The results appeared to align with CNN polling analyst Harry Enten’s predictions that Melania would net between $1 million and $5 million. This was described as a substantial loss for Amazon, which paid $40 m for the rights to the film.
Gilbert’s findings launched a trend on X as people looked up available theatre seats in their area. Retired Navy officer Travis Akers reported similar findings at a popular theatre in the Jacksonville area.
The film was also reported to be performing poorly internationally. Journalist Jack Quann found 13 seats sold across two Dublin theatres.
Tweet reading “As Melania Trump’s documentary #Melania is pulled from South Africa, and reports of slow uptake in the UK, I took a look at Irish ticket sales so far. In the two cinemas showing it in Dublin city, 13 tickets have been sold for its opening night on Friday”
In Toronto’s biggest theatre, none were sold so far, according to Canadian @WannaBeCritic88.
Tweet reading “Toronto’s biggest theatre this Saturday for #Melania No one and I mean no one gives a fuck about her in Canada. Not one ticket sold yet. Hope this movie makes 7 bucks.”
At least one New Yorker, however, purchased a ticket in Staten Island.
At TOI World Desk, our dedicated team of seasoned journalists and...
Read MoreAt TOI World Desk, our dedicated team of seasoned journalists and passionate writers tirelessly sifts through the vast tapestry of global events to bring you the latest news and diverse perspectives round the clock. With an unwavering commitment to accuracy, depth, and timeliness, we strive to keep you informed about the ever-evolving world, delivering a nuanced understanding of international affairs to our readers. Join us on a journey across continents as we unravel the stories that shape our interconnected world.
Read Less