‘Complete chaos’: Netflix-inspired Bridgerton ball follows infamous Wonka ‘experience’
An official scene from Bridgerton, complete with staged sets and regency furniture, was what was expected at the Detroit ball. Photo: Netflix
An undercooked buffet, disorganisation, Kit Kats and strippers – not exactly what one would have in mind when asked to dream up the regal world of Bridgerton, is it?
That’s what fans got earlier this week when a “Bridgerton Ball” failed miserably and subsequently went viral for all the wrong reasons in Detroit.
With tickets to the non-Netflix-affiliated event selling for between $US100 and $1000, and a last-minute change of date and venue, it has been labelled “complete chaos”, a “scam” and is drawing comparisons to the infamous Willy Wonka Experience that made headlines in March.
“It’s giving Fyre Festival vibes,” wrote another, referring to the disastrous music festival which had fans sleeping on wet mattresses and eating cheese sandwiches.
It was billed as a chance for fans to “step into the enchanting world of the Regency era … for an evening of sophistication, grace and historical charm”.
The reality appeared to be a disorganised and bland event that left costumed attendees sitting on the floor, vendors selling Kit Kats and a few (including a male security guard) watching a stripper who was hired as the evening’s entertainment.
“I just want my money back,” one fan dressed in a blue regency gown told ABC local affiliate, WXYZ-TV Detroit.
“The way they described the evening, we were going to have classical music, dinner, there was going to be a play … give away prizes … and it’s completely empty in there,” said another.
Buffet food was undercooked, entry tickets weren’t scanned and attempts to contact the event organisers were unsuccessful, the TV network reported.
“Me and my friend literally stay for 20 minutes then left, and a lady told us it was a scam as we were walking in. It was ridiculous,” said one attendee on TikTok.
‘Make it right’
Event organiser Uncle N Me LLC released a statement to WXYZ taking full responsibility, saying their intention was to provide a magical evening.
“We take full responsibility and accountability for these shortcomings,” read the statement, adding they were committed to making “this right”.
“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 apologise.
@moreofnita Yawll they didnt even pay the photographer💀💀💀
“Our intention was to provide a magical evening, but we recognise that organisational challenges affected the enjoyment of some guests.”
No mention of refunds.
“My family and I just left the Detroit Bridgerton Ball,” wrote an attendee on Reddit who posted several photos.
“It was absolutely HORRENDOUS. There was nowhere to sit. Although the venue was nice, the decor was sparse and extremely tacky.
“It wasn’t even Bridgerton themed! We spent $400 on tickets for a complete b-s experience!”
Glasgow’s Willy Wonka Experience was shut down by police after just one day in February when parents complained about it being a complete disaster.
For £35, families were promised a chocolate fantasy adventure akin to what was portrayed on film.
Instead, they stumbled upon a sparsely-decorated warehouse, a handle of hired actors, half a cup of lemonade, some jelly beans, and children in tears.
In August, the BBC reported the fiasco has been turned into an opportunity, with producers staging a performance for the Edinburgh Film Festival, and a Broadway show.
“The story revolves around Willy holding a press conference the day after the event is shut down and “delivering a masterclass in the art of the non-apology apology,” producer Richard Kraft said.
