Chris Rock ‘storms out’ of billionaire’s Christmas party during stand-up set
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Chris Rock stunned attendees at billionaire Anthony Pratt’s holiday party in New York City by abruptly walking off stage during a surprise set on Saturday, December 7.
The event, held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel ballroom, was attended by Australian elites and entertainment heavyweights, but it was Rock’s angry exit that stole the spotlight.
Chris Rock's performance at Anthony Pratt's party
Chris Rock appeared onstage unannounced, sandwiched between sets by comedian Wali Collins and country music star Keith Urban.
He began his short set with sharp jabs at American politics, eliciting laughter from the audience.
"Our new push will be outer space. We'll put all the Mexicans on the rockets," joked Rock.
However, the mood shifted dramatically when the comedian noticed someone filming or photographing him in the crowd.
"Whatever he saw — or thought he saw — upset him," said Cindy Adams, a New York Post columnist who attended the event.
Chris Rock’s abrupt exit
Cindy Adams claimed that Rock “momentarily went ape” upon spotting the apparent recording.
He loudly admonished the audience for violating his privacy, stormed off stage without explanation, and made a dramatic exit through the crowd.
“He didn’t complain, didn’t explain, didn’t do one more minute,” Adams wrote, noting that the 59-year-old comedian left the event “quickly, forcefully, through people to the exit doors."
"He kept b******g loudly and, without a second's hesitation, stormed out, never to return," she added.
Keith Urban saves the day
Following Chris Rock’s abrupt exit from the stage, Keith Urban quickly salvaged the atmosphere with a high-energy performance.
The country music star kept the crowd entertained for an hour and a half, ensuring the evening ended on a high note, according to OK Magazine.
Adams observed that despite the comedian’s walkout, “everyone left happy, except Rock.”
Chris Rock’s upcoming performances
Chris Rock angrily leaving the Christmas party comes just a week before he is set to host 'Saturday Night Live' on Saturday, December 14, alongside musical guest Gracie Abrams.
This marks Rock’s fourth time hosting the iconic comedy show, where he was a cast member from 1990 to 1993.
Chris Rock's recent history of controversy
Chris Rock has largely stayed out of the spotlight since his infamous altercation with Will Smith at the 2022 Oscars, where the latter slapped him on stage for a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith's shaved head.
The slap sparked global headlines, divided opinions, and resulted in Smith being banned from Academy events for 10 years.
