Sep 9, 2009 4:35 pm US/Central
Jay-Z Slams Scalpers Over 9/11 Benefit Concert
With Tickets Going For Thousands Of Dollars On The Internet, Rapper Rips Into Those Who Would Profit From Tragedy
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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Rapper and music executive Jay-Z. (File)
AP
It was supposed to be a concert that raised money for the survivors of 9/11's fallen heroes. But now rap mogul Jay-Z is calling out ticket scalpers who are trying to cash in on his charitable effort ... and who some say are cashing in on a tragedy.
The Brooklyn-born star is slamming the scalpers, reports CBS station WCBS-TV in New York City.
"It's a complete disgrace," the rapper said Wednesday.
Mega star Jay-Z is calling out the scalpers who gobbled up tickets for his sold out concert Friday at Madison Square Garden to benefit the widows and orphans of cops and fighters who died on Sept. 11, 2001, and are now trying to re-sell the $54 tickets on-line for crazy profits.
One site is offering tickets for $45,000.
"I think it's disgusting. These people that are snapping up the tickets ... they have no right to do that," said Dennis Wales, who lost a friend on 9/11.
In a statement released Wednesday, Jay-Z made his disappointment known.
"We are truly disheartened that certain individuals would choose to benefit from what is meant to be a 100 percent charitable event.
"Tickets were priced at $50 in order for more fans to take part in this occasion and support a charity that assists families that lost a loved one while keeping New Yorkers safe."
The backlash has come fast and furious.
"Very angry. I can't believe they will do that," said Teresa Noel, who lost her son, Curtis, on 9/11.
At a memorial service in the Bronx for friends and family of 9/11 victims, Noel was appalled that anyone would try to profit on a charitable event born from such a tragedy.
"It's disgraceful. They should be ashamed of themselves. I can't believe they would do something like this. It's sad," Noel said.
Teresa told WCBS she wonders if nothing is sacred anymore. And clearly, this is not what Jay-Z wanted.
"We do not support any profits made from re-selling any ticket that was meant to be purchased by honest fans," the rapper said.
For a show that was meant for charity.
The roughly 20,000 tickets went on sale Tuesday morning and sold out within minutes.
Ticket sales for the concert, excluding scalper profits of course, will go to the New York Police and Fire Widows and Children's Benefit Fund.
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