Eric T. Schneiderman, the New York attorney general, who was standing on the patio during cocktails, said it was a moment when the lines were drawn. He could not reconcile Mr. Trump’s response with his promise to be the president for all Americans. “We don’t discriminate based on race, color or creed,” he said. “We now have a president who is declining to support those fundamental principles.” (Mr. Trump gave a more detailed rebuke on Monday, before again blaming “both sides” the next day.)

Matt Lauer shook his head when a friend asked how he was. “The world sucks,” he said.

Around 9:30 p.m., guests moved to a barn where brisket and fried chicken were served, along with the night’s entertainment. Chris Rock sat in front near Ms. Lopez. One table over was Mr. Perelman, next to Lloyd Blankfein, of Goldman Sachs. Behind them was the financier Stephen A. Schwarzman, a close adviser to Mr. Trump.

Mr. Perelman, who serves as vice chairman of the Apollo board, was first on stage, where he spoke briefly about the theater’s outreach programs to minority students before turning to the day’s events. “We cannot as smart Americans stand to have anything like that happen again,” he said.

From there, the evening became more celebratory, with performances by Questlove and the Roots, Patty Smyth and a torch singer named Alice Smith. Justin Timberlake started his set around 11 p.m., and along with Pharrell Williams cajoled attendees for more money, before delivering a medley of “Rock Your Body,” “Sexy Back” and “Señorita.”

“Let me find some rich people in here,” Mr. Timberlake said, singling out Robert Kraft, the New England Patriots owner, who was seated up front. “You have like 8,000 Super Bowl rings. Alex Rodriguez, Jennifer Lopez: joint donation!”