Ticket prices for Chris Rock’s “Ego Death” world tour soared from $46 to over $400 as demand for seats surged after Will Smith met the comedian live on stage during Sunday night’s Academy Awards ceremony.
The first show on Wednesday in Boston was already sold out on Tuesday morning.
The slap will go down as one of the worst moments in awards history and has been viewed tens of millions of times.
It put Rock – already a household name – on the road to global stardom when images of Smith’s escape were beamed to every corner of the world, and despite the public humiliation, Rock appears to be reaping the rewards.
Just days after the event, the comedian returns to the stage of Boston’s Wilbur Theater as his tour kicks off in 35 cities around the world, including the US, UK, Australia and New Zealand.
Pictured: Chris Rock covers his face with a hand after being punched by Will Smith while presenting an award at the Oscars in Hollywood on Sunday night
And according to ticket seller TickPick, it sold more tickets to Rock’s tour the night after the Oscars than it did in the entire month before.
It was also reported that single ticket prices for the Boston show have skyrocketed – with only the cheapest tickets rising from $46 to $314 on Monday night.
As of Tuesday morning, tickets for the Boston show were sold out on the Tickermaster website, and other venues were also quickly selling out.
Announcing the tour in February, Rock said on his Instagram: “Ego Death World Tour 2022 all new material introspective very personal and very fun. I can’t wait to show you. The link for tickets is in my bio.’
Attendees will be hoping he has updated material by Wednesday’s first show to address Sunday night’s drama.
Perhaps appropriately, his final two shows will be at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood – the very venue where Sunday night’s Oscars extravaganza took place.
Smith shocked the crowd and viewers at home when he took the stage during Rock’s remarks after the comedian made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith, Smith’s wife. Rock said, “Jada, I love you. “GI Jane 2,” can’t wait to see it.”
The joke hit a nerve. Pinkett Smith, whose head is shaved, has spoken publicly about her alopecia diagnosis.
Smith strode onto the stage and slapped Rock in the face. Back in his seat, Smith called Rock twice to “get my wife’s name out of your (eloquent) mouth.”
His words echoed clearly throughout Dolby, although broadcaster ABC paused the audio for about 15 seconds. Within 45 minutes, Smith won Best Actor. During his acceptance speech, Smith apologized to the Academy.
The spectacle is divided, with some arguing Smith was justified after Rock made a joke about the actor’s wife – Jada Pinkett Smith – and her hair loss. Others have argued that it was an attack and that Smith should have been ejected.
The Academy condemned Smith’s actions in a statement Monday, which said: “The Academy condemns the actions of Mr. Smith at last night’s show.
“We have officially begun a formal review of the incident and will consider further actions and consequences consistent with our statutes, standards of conduct and California law.”
The Los Angeles Police Department said Sunday it was aware of the incident but had not opened an investigation because the Rock person declined to file a police report.
Smith also apologized to Rock on Monday, saying his behavior was “unacceptable and inexcusable” and made him “embarrassed.”
“Violence in all its forms is toxic and destructive,” he wrote in an Instagram post. “My behavior at the Oscars last night was unacceptable and inexcusable. Jokes at my expense are part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s health was too much for me and I reacted emotionally.
Smith celebrates his Oscar win Sunday night in a ceremony overshadowed by his actions
Jada Pinkett Smith, from left, Willow Smith, Will Smith, Jaden Smith and Trey Smith are pictured arriving at Sunday’s Vanity Fair Oscar Party
Smith also apologized to Rock on Monday, saying his behavior was “unacceptable and inexcusable” and made him “embarrassed.”
“I want to apologize to you publicly, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong. I’m embarrassed and my actions were no indication of the man I want to be. In a world of love and kindness there is no place for violence.’
Smith then apologized to the show’s organizers and producers.
He also apologized to Venus and Serena Williams’ family.
“I also want to apologize to the Academy, the show’s producers, all contestants, and all viewers around the world,” Smith continued.
“I would like to apologize to the Williams family and my King Richard family.
“I deeply regret that my behavior has marred an otherwise great journey for all of us.”
The Philadelphia-born actor concluded, “I’m still a work in progress. Sincerely, Will.”