No LOLs here. Comedian Dane Cook is being criticized for not allowing his sketch to be televised or live streamed at the May 30 Boston Strong Benefit Concert, where money was being raised for The One Fund Boston to benefit the victims of the April 15 Boston Marathon bombings.
According to CBS News, millions of viewers tuned into the concert where performers like Aerosmith, James Taylor, Jimmy Buffett, New Kids on the Block and more took the stage, but were surprised when their computer screens went completely black as Cook started doing his comedy sketch.
Most thought it was technical problems, but viewers grew suspicious when the feed came back as soon as the comedian's set ended.
Tweeters immediately voiced their anger, speculating if Cook, 41, blocked his set from being streamed. One tweeter referred to him as a "jackass" while another wrote, "He should rot in hell asap."
After the concert, Cook took to his Twitter page to clarify his decision and apologize.
"Hey everyone sorry my set was not a part of the live stream or televised!" he wrote. "I didn't want any of the new material to hit the airwaves yet! I can't wait to share it soon!"
The Cambridge, Mass. native comedian added, "The event was so meaningful and special. One of the best nights of my life. #BostonStrong."
Despite the complaints, a Live Nation representative also set out to defend Cook in a statement to CBS.
"Dane donated both his time and incredible talent to yesterday's event and was most certainly an integral part of making the evening an extraordinary success benefiting The One Fund," Jay Anderson wrote in an email to the network.
Cook, for his part, doesn't seem to be affected by the negative comments, tweeting on May 31: "I came back to Boston for one reason. The people. I received (and met) many of the people injured tonight. You are the greatest people."
