'Scamerton': This Detroit Bridgerton ball went so bad, it's being compared to Fyre Fest
A Bridgerton-themed event thrown in Detroit this weekend was such a disaster, it's drawn comparisons to Fyre Fest and the infamous Willy Wonka Glasglow Experience fiasco, earning the nickname "Scamerton."
Hosted by event company Uncle N Me LLC (also written as Uncle & Me LLC) the event, which was not an official Netflix affair, was originally advertised as the "Detroit Bridgerton Themed Ball," promising an "enchanting" Regency-era experience complete with "sophistication, grace, and historical charm."
"Experience a night like no other filled with music, dance, and exquisite costumes," the company website reads. Accompanying social media posts likewise touted "stunning decor inspired by the hit series," dancing, live entertainment, "exquisite refreshments" and "enchanting surprises" in an evening of "glamour and romance."
Instead, said attendees, their $150 to $1,000 tickets got them undercooked food, cheap decorations, a single violinist and an exotic dancer.
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Bridgerton ball catastrophe
Originally, the Detroit Bridgerton Ball was set for Aug. 25 but was rescheduled for Sept. 22 after issues arose with the venue, according to the event management company. The party was ultimately hosted at the historic Harmonie Club.
X, formerly Twitter, user @rayleearts said in a thread about the experience that they, like others, had purchased $300 tickets and were unable to reach the event organizers when this rescheduling occurred. Several netizens claimed the company did not offer refunds or respond to emails about this change.
That was just the beginning of attendees' woes, according to reports shared on social media.
A TikTok with clips of the event shared by user @kiimberyly showed groups of fancily-dressed guests crowing outside the venue in the rain, many of whom were leaving.
"This was at 7 p.m...event started at 6 p.m. Hadn't even walked in and over 60 people left. [People] leaving told me to just go bar hopping with them," a caption over the video read. "No security, no check in, no organizer," the clip said, echoing a common online complaint that tickets for the event were not scanned or checked properly and "random people" were seen entering and eating throughout the night.
"No food, no drinks, not enough chairs or tables, no performers, no organizer in sight..." the video continued. Music primarily came from speakers, the clip showed, another complaint echoed by several other attendees online. Instead of the live instrumental music promised, a single violinist was playing and an exotic dancer was hired as entertainment.
Showing images of what a long food line, the TikToker said attendees told her "the chicken was raw and cups were being reused." Ultimately, the venue ran out of food and she and her partner left to eat elsewhere.
Another TikTok clip posted by @thats.resashowed the plate of food she received while still at the experience. Featuring two chicken wings, a meatball, and small scoops of mashed potatoes, green beans and pasta, the spread was heavily criticized by commenters who compared it to Hamburger Helper and said Lady Whistledown herself would "have a field day." The food ran out in about an hour or so, according to several posts.
Posters and commenters speculated the sparse decor inside the venue came from discount or dollar stores, and they lamented that none of the promised events, including a best-dressed contest with a cash prize and selection of Diamond of the Season, ever happened. More photos painted a grim picture of bored people dressed in their best, sitting on the floor and looking down at phones.
'I cannot stress enough that this was a scam'
Tiktoker @moreofnita who, like many, referred to the experience as a scam, said the organizers failed to pay vendors like the photographer, never scanned tickets, and hired a Queen Charlotte who was out of character and tried to shill business cards to guests taking photos.
She likewise pointed out the additional money she and most other guests had likely spent on top of the tickets to be there, including pricey dresses and outfit alterations, accessories, hair and makeup and transportation, saying again the cost of attendance did not match the quality of the ball.
"I cannot stress enough that this was a scam," she concluded.
Event organizer responds
Uncle N Me LLC did not immediately respond to requests for comment but did release a statement to local ABC affiliate 7 News Detroit.
"We understand that not everyone had the experience they hoped for at our most recent event Sunday night at The Harmonie Club, and for that, we sincerely apologize," the statement provided to 7 News said. "Our intention was to provide a magical evening, but we recognize that organizational challenges affected the enjoyment of some guests. We take full responsibility and accountability for these shortcomings."
"Please know that we are working diligently to address all concerns to ensure that all guests have the enjoyable experience they deserve," the statement continued. Your feedback is invaluable, and we truly appreciate both the positive and constructive comments shared with us."
A Facebook group called Bridgerton Ball Scam- Detroit was created for dissatisfied guests to share complaints, experiences, photos and get in on legal action the group creator has promised to lodge against Uncle N Me LLC.
Posts in the group included instructions on reporting fraud or scams to the local police department and information about an alleged 100-150 person class action suit with multiple lawyers reviewing details. Other posts mulled further action, such as complaining to the state Attorney General.
This story has been updated with a new image.
