Juan Rodriguez bared all to the President for a dare, one worth $1 million to the unemployed painter.
Rodriguez, who stripped down naked during a Philadelphia speech by Obama on Sunday and streaked through the crowd, was responding to a dare posted by billionaire shipping magnate Alki David. David had said that anyone who wrote the name of his website across their chest, streaked naked and shouted the name of his website six times within eye and ear-shot of the president would be rewarded with $1 million.
Rodriguez, who was detained by Philadelphia police, was sure he had fulfilled all the criteria and would receive his prize. However the billionaire wasn’t so certain. While Rodriguez had told reporters that he had fulfilled the deal, and had the footage as proof, David said he wanted to review the footage to make certain.
David also added the condition that the
White House be called for confirmation that the president had witnessed the
event, but there was ‘no comment’ from the White House.
Thursday, David released this statement: "Mr. Rodriguez agreed that he was not able to complete all the criteria of the challenge. But he came so very close, and his personal story about why he decided to take such a risk for his family moved me to provide him with a generous consolation prize."
Rodriguez says he never admitted anything, but that he wasn’t “going to bust his chops” about the amount he received as consolation. David has given enough to cover six months of rent, as well as medical expenses for Rodriguez’s sick sister.
