Former CNN anchor Jim Acosta is being roasted by critics after his much-hyped ‘Fire Within Tour’ event reportedly fell flat, failing to fill even half the seats at a Washington DC theater.

The event, which was the first stop of the ‘Fire Within Tour,’ featured a lineup of guests including comedian Rosie O’Donnell, Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) and included discussions about current political developments.

Just hours before the event, Acosta was still promoting available seats to his Substack followers, telling them: ‘There are some tickets left’ for his Lincoln Theater show in Washington, D.C. 

Acosta was joined by co-hosts including former DC police officer Michael Fanone, who became a political figure following the January 6 Capitol event, and former Republican official Olivia Troye, who spoke at the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

The Free Beacon reported that the 1,200-seat venue appeared to struggle to reach its capacity – with hundreds of seats empty.

The upper balcony section, which comprised of nearly half of the theater’s seats, was reportedly closed to the public.

The lower section was estimated to be about three-quarters full, with an audience of around 500 people.

A majority of the guests were either members of a federal employee union invited to denounce Trump, or had personal or professional connections to one of the ‘performers,’ a source reportedly told the Free Beacon.

Former CNN anchor Jim Acosta is being roasted by critics after his much-hyped ‘Fire Within Tour’ event reportedly fell flat, failing to fill even half the seats at a Washington DC theater

The ‘Fire Within Tour’ was promoted with the tagline ‘Fueling Courage. Defending Freedom. Igniting Truth’

But it was the cringeworthy finale that left many confused, as Acosta carried out what many social media users are calling a ‘bizarre’ closing ceremony

But it was the cringeworthy finale that left many confused, as Acosta carried out what many social media users are calling a ‘bizarre’ closing ceremony.

The former White House correspondent asked the remaining audience members to turn on their mobile phone flashlights.

Video footage captured the moment glowing screens filling the half-empty theater in scenes that went viral on social media.

‘This is not a country that is being plunged into darkness. This is a country that can find its way back to the light,’ he told the crowd.

‘Keep watching us, we’re going to give you the truth.’

The theatrical moment sparked a strong reaction, with some users mocking the performance and calling it embarrassing.

‘We couldn’t have created something anymore cringe than this with AI,’ one wrote.

‘This is the best comedy on the internet,’ another chimed in.

‘Jim you never ever gave us the truth. You are a propagandist nothing more. The truth always comes out. You have been proven a liar, time and time again,’ one user accused.

Acosta, who left CNN in January after years as a White House correspondent, has transitioned to independent media through his Substack newsletter

The event, which was the first stop of the ‘Fire Within Tour,’ featured a lineup of guests including comedian Rosie O’Donnell , Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) and included discussions about current political developments

Journalist Megyn Kelly even slammed the event on her podcast calling it ‘sad’ and ’embarrassing.’ 

Acosta, who left CNN in January after years as a White House correspondent, has transitioned to independent media through his Substack newsletter and podcast.

The ‘Fire Within Tour’ was promoted with the tagline ‘Fueling Courage. Defending Freedom. Igniting Truth.’