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Boston Globe
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Fyre Festival 2 issues refund for Mexico event, stops ticket sales
The Washington Post could not confirm those statements, but a reporter who planned to attend the festival received an email receipt for a refund worth $1,604.17 from the ticketing partner for the event. On Wednesday evening, the page for the event no longer listed any ticket options. An organizer for Fyre 2 did not immediately respond to emails from The Post. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up A postponement or cancellation would be another setback for Fyre founder Billy McFarland, who was sentenced to six years in prison for defrauding investors of $26 million over the first version of the festival in 2017, which left concertgoers stuck with little food and flimsy conditions amid promises of a premier concert event. The original Fyre Festival became the subject of two documentaries and widespread internet memes. Advertisement McFarland announced a sequel to the Fyre Festival in February - nearly three years after he was released from prison - immediately raising eyebrows and suspicions. The original Fyre Festival, with sparse amenities for attendees who had paid for a luxury event, was held in the Bahamas in 2017. 'I'm sure many people think I'm crazy for doing this again,' McFarland said in a release posted to Instagram when the sequel event was announced. 'But I feel I'd be crazy not to do it again. After years of reflection and now thoughtful planning, the new team and I have amazing plans for FYRE 2. The adventure seekers who trust the vision and take the leap will help make history.' Tickets went on sale in February , with packages ranging from $1,400 to $1.1 million, but the new festival quickly ran into problems. Fyre Festival 2 was initially set for Isla Mujeres, another Mexican tourist hot spot near Cancún. But a tourism official for the island said the event didn't exist, and a Facebook page for the location said no permits for such a festival were approved, either. Organizers said in March they had moved the location to Playa del Carmen, and a luxury hotel there confirmed a partnership with Fyre to The Post. However, no lineup of performers has been announced, raising speculation about whether the event was real. Then, in April, officials with Playa del Carmen disputed claims of the festival being held there. But McFarland said that he had conversations with the local government about the event, sharing a timeline of events on the Fyre Festival's Instagram page. 'All media reports suggesting our team has not been working with the government of PDC are simply inaccurate and based on misinformation,' the page read. Advertisement McFarland has yet to comment on the postponed festival or say if it will be rescheduled. As of Thursday morning, the festival's website still showed the event as set for May 30 in Playa del Carmen, but a link to buy tickets wasn't working. A merchandise page was still selling $70 T-shirts that say 'Fyre Festival 2 is real.'
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fyre Festival 2's fate up in the air after website says tickets unavailable
Organizers of a Fyre Festival sequel announced on its website Wednesday that the event had been postponed before updating the language to say tickets were "currently not available." The confusion comes after Mexican officials this month disputed that a multiday musical event will be held next month in the popular resort town of Playa Del Carmen. The festival's promoter, Billy McFarland, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In an earlier announcement, the site said: "FYRE 2 Festival is postponed and will be rescheduled for a later date in the future. If you have purchased tickets already, you will receive an email once the new date is confirmed." McFarland, who pleaded guilty to wire fraud and other crimes tied to the first Fyre Fest fiasco in the Bahamas in 2017, had posted documents on his social media April 4 that he said proves that organizers had been working with local officials since March 5 to obtain permits for a Fyre Festival 2. The event's website had promised an "electrifying celebration of music, arts, cuisine, comedy, fashion, gaming, sports, and treasure hunting— all set in the stunning location of Playa Del Carmen, Mexico," from May 30 to June 2. But one document shared by McFarland indicated that the event at the Martina Beach Club would have a maximum of 250 people during a 12-hour period, a far cry from the 1,800 guests it had planned for. Meanwhile, organizers had not yet announced a lineup of performers or celebrities who would be involved in the event. Playa Del Carmen officials said in a statement April 2 that "after a thorough review, there is no record or planning of any such event in the municipality," casting confusion about where the event stands. Organizers have been in the spotlight since McFarland announced in September that he was attempting a comeback with another Fyre Fest at a "privately owned island off Mexico." McFarland told NBC News in February that he had secured festival operators, hotel partners, concierge groups and ticket companies for the event's location on Isla Mujeres, located off the coast of Cancún. While he acknowledged there's a "risk" to people who buy tickets this time around, he added, "what makes Fyre so cool is we are selling the experience of Fyre." But Isla Mujeres tourism officials disputed that they had granted any permits for such a festival. In late March, event organizers said they had found a new location — Playa Del Carmen — during a beachside news conference in Mexico in which McFarland appeared via a video link because he remains under travel restrictions. Ticket packages were being sold for $1,400 for one person, not including accommodations or travel, to $1.1 million, which organizers say covers eight people for a "Prometheus God of Fyre" pass guaranteeing complimentary accommodations and private air charter. which had partnered with ticket sales, told NBC News that it stands "firmly behind our 100% money-back guarantee. Given the recent changes to the date and venue of Fyre Festival 2, all customers who purchased tickets directly through our platform are eligible for a full refund." The original Fyre Fest in 2017 was promoted by social media influencers as a star-studded event with popular musical acts in a luxurious island setting. Attendees paid between $1,000 and $12,000 each. Instead, the festival went viral for its canceled performers, meager food options, including boxed cheese sandwiches, and FEMA disaster tent accommodations. In its wake, lawsuits were filed against McFarland, and the saga became the subject of Netflix and Hulu documentaries. In 2018, McFarland was sentenced to six years in prison after federal prosecutors said he lied to investors who lost more than $26 million. In 2021, some attendees were awarded money in a $2 million class-action settlement. The following year, McFarland was released from prison early after earning good time credit. But while still owing millions in restitution, McFarland, 33, has said the chance to hold another festival is about redemption. "We have the chance to embrace this storm and really steer our ship into all the chaos that has happened, and if it's done well, I think Fyre has a chance to be this annual festival that really takes over the festival industry," he said in September. He added that he hired a festival production company to "handle the stages and the bathrooms and all the stuff that I clearly don't know how to do." This article was originally published on
NBC News
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- NBC News
Fate of Fyre Festival 2 up in the air after website announces postponement
Organizers of a Fyre Festival sequel announced on its website Wednesday that the event has been postponed after scrutiny over its intended location. The announcement comes after Mexican officials this month disputed that a multiday musical event will be held next month in the popular resort town of Playa Del Carmen. "FYRE 2 Festival is postponed and will be rescheduled for a later date in the future," the Fyre website said. "If you have purchased tickets already, you will receive an email once the new date is confirmed." Billy McFarland, the promoter who pleaded guilty to wire fraud and other crimes tied to the first Fyre Fest fiasco in the Bahamas in 2017, had posted documents on his social media on April 4 that he said proves organizers had been working with local officials since March 5 in obtaining permits for a Fyre Festival 2. The event's website had promised an "electrifying celebration of music, arts, cuisine, comedy, fashion, gaming, sports, and treasure hunting— all set in the stunning location of Playa Del Carmen, Mexico," from May 30 to June 2. But one document shared by McFarland indicated the event at the Martina Beach Club would have a maximum of 250 people during a 12-hour period, a far cry from the 1,800 guests it had planned for. Meanwhile, organizers had not yet announced a lineup of performers or celebrities who would be involved in the event. Playa Del Carmen officials said in a statement April 2 that "after a thorough review, there is no record or planning of any such event in the municipality," casting confusion about where the event stands. Organizers have been in the spotlight since McFarland announced in September that he was attempting a comeback with another Fyre Fest at a "privately owned island off Mexico." McFarland told NBC News in February that he had secured festival operators, hotel partners, concierge groups and ticket companies for the event's location on Isla Mujeres, located off the coast of Cancún. While he acknowledged there's a "risk" to people who buy tickets this time around, he added that "what makes Fyre so cool is we are selling the experience of Fyre." But Isla Mujeres tourism officials disputed that they had granted any permits for such a festival. In late March, event organizers said they had found a new location — Playa Del Carmen — during a beachside news conference in Mexico in which McFarland appeared via a video link because he remains under travel restrictions. Ticket packages were being sold for $1,400 for one person, not including accommodations or travel, to $1.1 million, which organizers say covers eight people for a "Prometheus God of Fyre" pass guaranteeing complimentary accommodations and private air charter. which had partnered with ticket sales, told NBC News that it stands "firmly behind our 100% money-back guarantee. Given the recent changes to the date and venue of Fyre Festival 2, all customers who purchased tickets directly through our platform are eligible for a full refund." The original Fyre Fest in 2017 was promoted by social media influencers as a star-studded event with popular musical acts in a luxurious island setting. Attendees paid between $1,000 and $12,000. Instead, the festival went viral for its canceled performers, meager food options, including styrofoam-boxed cheese sandwiches, and FEMA disaster tent accommodations. In its wake, lawsuits were filed against McFarland, and the saga became the subject of Netflix and Hulu documentaries. In 2018, McFarland was sentenced to six years in prison after federal prosecutors said he lied to investors who lost more than $26 million. In 2021, some attendees were awarded money in a $2 million class-action settlement. The following year, McFarland was released from prison early after earning good time credit. But while still owing millions in restitution, McFarland, 33, has said the chance to hold another festival is about redemption. "We have the chance to embrace this storm and really steer our ship into all the chaos that has happened, and if it's done well, I think Fyre has a chance to be this annual festival that really takes over the festival industry," he said in September. He added that he hired a festival production company to "handle the stages and the bathrooms and all the stuff that I clearly don't know how to do."
CBS News
24-02-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Fyre Festival 2 tickets go on sale today after spectacular flameout in 2017
Tickets for Fyre Festival 2, a second iteration of the infamous Fyre Festival in 2917, are now available for sale to the public after its controversial founder, Billy McFarland, spent time behind bars for fraud related to the original event. Resale ticketing platform on Monday announced that it has started selling tickets to Fyre Festival 2, which is scheduled take place in May on Isla Mujeres in Quintana Roo, Mexico. Tickets are also for sale directly through Fyre Festival Mexico's website, ranging in price from $1,400 to $1.1 million. "I'm sure many people think I'm crazy for doing this again," McFarland said in a statement announcing the ticket sales and festival packages. "But I feel I'd be crazy not to do it again. After years of reflection and now thoughtful, the new team and I have amazing plans for Fyre 2. The adventure seekers who trust the vision and take the leap will help make history." For now, it's unclear what exactly festival attendees are getting for their money. The festival's site promises arts, cuisine, music, comedy, fashion, gaming, sports and "treasures." But no musical artists have committed to performing at the three-day event, slated for May 30 to June 2. Instead, so-called "Fyre Experiences" will be released in a number of drops leading up to the festival," its website says. Lostnights, a Mexican festival producer, will produce and operate the event. What does $1 million buy you? Most ticket holders have to pay for flights and accommodations separately to attend the festival. But with a $25,000 "Fyre Phoenix" pass, attendees "will stay amongst the artists and other performing talent" at one of two luxury resorts, the event website says. A package valued at roughly $1.1 million, dubbed the "Prometheus God of Fyre" pass, covers accommodations for up to eight people, although other perks are not specified. The pass grants access to "unique adventures, intimate dinners and other exclusive excursions," the festival site notes, without providing additional details. Guests with the highest-priced pass can choose to stay on either a yacht or in a villa, according to the Fyre website, and will travel by private air travel from Miami to Cancun, then by helicopter to Isla Mujeres. What happened at the first Fyre Festival? McFarland also promised a luxury experience at the first Fyre fest, staged in Great Exuma, Bahamas, eight years ago, with Blink-182 and other musical acts expected to perform. Instead, most pass holders found that their accommodations consisted of unfinished tents and drenched mattresses, with cheese sandwiches for sustenance. McFarland, who was convicted of defrauding investors of more than $27 million, in 2018 was sentenced to six years in prison. He served four years and was released in 2022. His partner in the first festival, rapper Ja Rule, said the following year that he had been "hustled, scammed, bamboozled, hoodwinked, led astray" by the organizers.
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fyre Festival 2 tickets go on sale as Billy McFarland attempts to come back from 2017 disaster: 'My dream is finally becoming a reality'
In a surprising turn of events, Billy McFarland, the mastermind behind the disastrous Fyre Festival, is bringing the infamous event back. Dubbed Fyre Festival 2, the revived festival is set to take place from May 30 to June 2 on Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo, Mexico. Despite the catastrophic failure of the first festival in 2017 — which led to multiple lawsuits, McFarland's prison sentence and two tell-all documentaries — the founder remains optimistic about this new version. 'Fyre 2 is real. My dream is finally becoming a reality,' he told Today in an interview that aired Monday. 'Fyre 2 really isn't about the past, and it's not really about me. It's about taking the vision, which is strong.' See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. Citing new management of the company, McFarland insists that this time will be different. While no artists have been confirmed, he claims he expects to book A-list performers in the coming months. 'We're going to have artists across electronic, hip-hop, pop and rock,' McFarland said. 'However, it's not just music. We might have a professional skateboarder do a demonstration. We might have an MMA champion teach you techniques in the morning.' Here's everything you need to know about the return of the Fyre Festival and how McFarland is trying to rewrite its legacy. This year's festival will be capped at 2,000 attendees, significantly fewer than the estimated 5,000 festivalgoers who bought tickets to the disastrous 2017 event (only around 500 actually made landfall on the festival grounds). McFarland is stepping away from operational responsibilities this time, handing them over to 'a major festival operator,' reports Today. Hotel and travel partners, along with the online ticketing platform have been brought on to handle other logistics. As McFarland told Today, the festival won't just be about music. According to its website, attendees can expect 'water adventures, extreme sports, leisure & wellness [and] cultural & creative activities.' A minimum of $500,000 from festival proceeds will go toward McFarland's more than $26 million restitution payments. Since his release from prison, he has reportedly contributed a percentage of his salary from a marketing job toward these payments, per Today. Additionally, he and his partners have committed to donating 10% of their profits to restitution efforts. As part of his legal penalties, McFarland is barred from holding the position of a director of a public company — although this venture is privately owned. McFarland acknowledges that relaunching Fyre Festival comes with risks, particularly given his past failures. 'It's 2,000 people taking the risk, seeking the adventure and wanting to be there for the moment,' he told Today. 'You're taking a risk, because I've made a lot of bad decisions and messed up the first festival. Until it's experienced, there is a risk component to it.' However, it remains unclear whether McFarland will be allowed to attend the festival himself, due to travel restrictions. 'I have to be okay with, mentally, maybe watching a live stream from my computer and crying a little bit,' he told Today. 'I have to ask [the court] for international travel.' Tickets for Fyre 2 are now on sale, ranging from $1,400 to $1.1 million, depending on the package. Here's what each tier includes: 'Ignite' ($1,400 per ticket): General admission includes access to the festival grounds and Water Stage, and transportation to and from designated hotels and other gathering points. Hotel accommodations are not included. 'Fuego' VIP ($5,000 per ticket): VIP access to festival grounds, front-row viewing of the Water Stage, and close-up access to the Fight Pit. Hotel accommodations are not included. 'Phoenix' ($25,000 per ticket): Includes luxury accommodations for two for three nights, backstage access to the Water Stage and Fight Pit, a curated itinerary of 'Fyre Experiences,' weekend transportation, Fyre concierge access and private ground transport to and from Cancún airport. 'Prometheus' ($1.1 million package): A luxury package that includes complete onstage access, a curated itinerary, a 24/7 private chauffeur and the option of a private four-stateroom yacht or a four-bedroom villa near the festival grounds for three nights. Tickets can be purchased directly through Fyre 2's website or the only verified resale platform. The site warns, 'Fyre is not responsible for any purchases made outside of The original Fyre Festival took place in April 2017 and reportedly cost upward of $12,000 per ticket. It promised to be an ultra-luxurious music festival in the Bahamas with gourmet food, celebrity appearances and performances from top artists like Blink-182 and Major Lazer. Prominent influencers and models like Bella Hadid, Hailey Baldwin, Emily Ratajkowski and Kendall Jenner promoted it on social media. Rapper Ja Rule served as one of its lead organizers. The reality, however, was far from what was promised. Instead of gourmet food, the roughly 500 attendees were served takeaway cheese sandwiches. 'Luxury' accommodations were replaced with disaster-relief tents that were reportedly left over from Hurricane Matthew. None of the pre-booked performances took place, and chaos ensued. Hundreds of attendees didn't have a place to sleep, and many of them reportedly had their belongings stolen due to lack of security. By March 2018, McFarland pleaded guilty to fraud and was sentenced to six years in prison, later admitting that he 'knowingly lied' to attendees and investors. He served nearly four years before his release in March 2022, though he was placed on a six-month house arrest. Attendees eventually won a class-action lawsuit, getting a paltry $281 each, according to the BBC. Ja Rule was absolved of any personal liability, but Jenner was ordered to pay $90,000 for her involvement in promoting the ill-fated festival. Employees posted scathing accounts of their experience, with one describing it as 'incompetence on an almost inconceivable scale.' For his part, McFarland offered public apologies both during his prison sentence and after his release. Reflecting on his actions, he told the New York Times in September 2022, 'I deserved my sentence. I let a lot of people down,' attributing his poor decisions to 'immaturity.' McFarland is not allowed to leave New York without an officer's permission, he told the Wall Street Journal, and will remain on probation until August. The Fyre Festival's failure was immortalized in two popular documentaries: Netflix's Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened and Hulu's Fyre Fraud. Both films highlighted McFarland's reckless decision-making and deceit in the lead-up to the festival. These films, along with an Oscars joke and several late-night jabs, turned Fyre Fest into a pop-culture phenomenon and a cautionary tale. They also sparked broader discussions about the dangers of blindly trusting social media influencers and the impact they have on consumer behavior. McFarland hinted about a festival reboot as early as December 2022. In August 2023, he announced on YouTube that tickets had gone on sale. It was later reported that those tickets were limited to 100 presale VIP tickets, costing $499 each, and sold out days later — which he reiterated on Monday's interview with Today. McFarland says he plans to use any negative publicity for his benefit. 'We have the chance to embrace this storm and really steer our ship into all the chaos that has happened,' he previously told Today in September 2024. 'If it's done well, I think Fyre has a chance to be this annual festival that really takes over the festival industry.' Andy King, an event planner involved in the original festival who went viral after revealing that McFarland had asked him to give a customs official oral sex to retrieve an order of water bottles, confirmed in August 2023 that he's returning for Fyre Festival 2. In a September 2024 interview with the Wall Street Journal, King said he'd only return if an outside company took control. While McFarland has acknowledged the hurt caused by the first Fyre Festival, he's betting on the festival's past notoriety to turn it into a long-term event. 'I want 90 percent of the people saying, 'This is not real, it's never going to happen,'' McFarland told the Wall Street Journal last year. 'We're betting that it's going to make the 10 percent who can afford it to be like, 'Yeah, we're going to show them."
