What is the Popcornmeter and how are verified reviews determined on Rotten Tomatoes?

The Popcornmeter is the audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, showing the percentage of positive ratings from verified ticket buyers via Fandango, marked with a 'Verified' icon next to reviews.[1]

Why has the 99% audience score for the Melania documentary sparked manipulation claims?

The 99% score contrasts sharply with critics' ratings, follows $7 million opening-weekend sales, and Debunk.org found 97% positive reviews with unusual timing in 220 comments, while IMDb noted unusual voting activity.[story]

What did Versant, the parent of Rotten Tomatoes, say about the fraud allegations?

Versant stated there was no bot manipulation, confirming Popcornmeter reviews are from verified ticket purchases for the Melania documentary.[story]

What are the box office details and audience demographics for the Melania documentary?

It opened in 1,500-1,778 theaters, earned about $7 million in opening weekend, outperforming projections with 75% women aged 55+, and plans to expand by 300 screens.[story]

What is the 'Verified Hot' designation and does the Melania film qualify?

Verified Hot requires 90%+ verified audience score; Melania's 99% verified score qualifies it as Verified Hot, but it can drop below 80% to lose status.[2]

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16d ago

Versant Defends 'Melania' 99% Audience Score Amid Manipulation Claims

Versant said there was no bot manipulation after a 99% audience score and about $7 million in opening-weekend ticket sales sparked fraud allegations.

Overview

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

Versant, parent company of Rotten Tomatoes, said there has been no bot manipulation and that Popcornmeter reviews are verified ticket purchases for the Melania documentary, which currently shows a 99% audience score.

The statement followed box-office tallies showing about $7 million in opening-weekend ticket sales and an unprecedented gap between critics' ratings and the 99% audience score that prompted allegations of bulk buys and manipulation.

Disinformation watchdog Debunk.org said its review of about 220 audience comments found 97% positive reviews and unusual timing, and IMDb placed a disclaimer citing 'unusual voting activity,' reflecting conflicting accounts.

Melania opened in roughly 1,500 to 1,778 theaters, drew an audience reported to be about 75% women aged 55 and older, and is slated to expand by roughly 300 screens after outperforming projections.

Industry watchdogs said they will continue auditing online reviews and box-office data, and the dispute remains contested between critics and supporters despite Versant's denial.

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: The Popcornmeter is the audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, showing the percentage of positive ratings from verified ticket buyers via Fandango, marked with a 'Verified' icon next to reviews.[1]
Sources:
Rotten Tomatoes FAQ
: The 99% score contrasts sharply with critics' ratings, follows $7 million opening-weekend sales, and Debunk.org found 97% positive reviews with unusual timing in 220 comments, while IMDb noted unusual voting activity.[story]
Sources:
Versant Statement on Melania
: Versant stated there was no bot manipulation, confirming Popcornmeter reviews are from verified ticket purchases for the Melania documentary.[story]
Sources:
Versant (Rotten Tomatoes Parent)
: It opened in 1,500-1,778 theaters, earned about $7 million in opening weekend, outperforming projections with 75% women aged 55+, and plans to expand by 300 screens.[story]
Sources:
Melania Box Office Report
: Verified Hot requires 90%+ verified audience score; Melania's 99% verified score qualifies it as Verified Hot, but it can drop below 80% to lose status.[2]
Sources:
Rotten Tomatoes Editorial

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