Chris Rock Walks Off Mid-Set at Billionaires’ Holiday Party

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Chris Rock doesn’t seem to feel the need to explain himself to anyone — not even the VIPs and billionaires at a corporate holiday party.

The 59-year-old comedian recently performed at a holiday party hosted by billionaire Anthony Pratt. According to the New York Post, Rock was a surprise performer at the event on Saturday, December 7. The Saturday Night Live veteran performed briefly before abruptly stopping his set after saying, “Our new push will be outer space. We’ll put all the Mexicans on the rockets.”

Cindy Adams, an attendee and Post contributor, reported that Rock “saw something the audience did not” that upset him. The outlet stated that Rock stopped after delivering the joke and began shouting about not being taped, videoed, or reported on, before allegedly storming “quickly, forcefully, through people to the exit doors.” The comedian left without explanation and did not return for the remainder of the evening.

Guests were reportedly “stunned” by Rock’s abrupt departure but were soon entertained by an hour-and-a-half-long performance by Keith Urban.
Fans took to Reddit to share their thoughts on the incident. One speculated, “Maybe he was performing bits from his next special and got recorded and didn’t want to go any further. Just trying to make a sensible explanation.” Another noted, “Probably had it in his contract that he wasn’t to be filmed, so when he saw the camera, he knew he could walk out and still collect 100% of his payday. Cha-Ching, peace b***hes.”

A third fan supported Rock, writing, “I’m on Chris Rock’s side. He’s a loudmouth, but he asked, and the organizers didn’t care about his request. Other top-flight comedians will know not to work for this guy.”

The Academy Award-winning comedian has not yet commented on the allegations surrounding the holiday party performance being cut short.