Fyre Festival founder claims 81% of attendees would like to return in 2018Fyre Festival 2017

Fyre Festival founder claims 81% of attendees would like to return in 2018

Fyre Festival organizers Billy McFarland and Ja Rule are facing a second class action lawsuit, however, McFarland has told Rolling Stone 81% of the attendees requesting refunds for the 2017 fiasco would like to attend the planned 2018 festival. While the first suit targets the dangerous conditions due to lack of infrastructure faced by festival attendees upon arrival, this second suit makes claims of false advertising and Federal Trade Commission violations through a fraudulent social media campaign.

To promote the festival, McFarland reportedly paid Kendall Jenner $250,000 for a single Instagram post. The reality TV star was just one of over 400 models, celebrities, and influencers paid to promote the festival via social media. Apparently, only one of these influencers, Emily Ratajkowski, followed FTC regulations of labeling her post as an advertisement. Because of this oversight, the suit claims, attendees were led to believe those posting about the festival on social media would be attending. From the perspective of the lawsuit, it seems Fyre Festival attendees expected a show from Major Lazer, a yacht ride with Kendall Jenner, and a dining experience prepared by Stephen Starr – none of which came to fruition.

Despite the unprecedented disparity between reality and expectations, McFarland maintains a vast majority of attendees would like to return in 2018. “Once the refund application process is complete, we will start sharing news on plans for Fyre Festival 2018,” he tells Rolling Stone. “Currently 81% of guests who have filled out the refund application have said they would like to attend Fyre Festival 2018. We are so thankful for their support and excitement as we strive to make this right.” It’s unclear if this statistic is confirmed, or perhaps another fraudulent promotion campaign.

Most baffling of all, many patrons from this year were threatened with a lawsuit by Fyre Festival lawyers for live-tweeting as they watched everything go up in flames. As McFarland promises to get over his naïveté and make things right next year, the 81% that plan to return either have a lot of faith in Fyre Entertainment’s ability to rebound or a sadistic love for anarchy and disappointment.

H/T: Rolling Stone, Thump, The Hollywood Reporter, Vice

Read More:

Fyre Festival lawyers threaten patrons for live-tweeting the calamity

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Fyre Festival faces $100 million lawsuit

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