Devastated Bridgerton fans have compared a recent “ball” in Detroit to the disastrous Willy Wonka Factory experience in Glasgow earlier this year.
Despite spending hundreds of dollars on tickets and fancy outfits, many guests - who were expecting a party fit for the ton - were shocked by a poorly decorated venue with “raw” food and little entertainment.
Some fans reportedly spent up to $1,000 (£747) on the premium experience, leading many to deride it as a “scam”.
The event was originally promoted as a chance to “step into the enchanting world of the Regency era at the Detroit Bridgerton Themed Ball”.
The invite said: “Join us for an evening of sophistication, grace, and historical charm. Experience a night like no other filled with music, dance, and exquisite costumes.”
Bridgerton is a popular Netflix series based on Julia Quinn's novels, set in Regency-era England. It follows the romantic entanglements and social intrigues of the Bridgerton family and their high-society peers.
While Netflix hd no affiliation with the event, the ball was supposed to emulate the exquisite society gatherings fans know so well from the show.
Things were a little different in reality.
@moreofnita Yawll they didnt even pay the photographer💀💀💀
♬ Mozart Minuet with violin(815356) - 松本一策
A stripper and a lone violinist were reportedly the only entertainment; guests sat on floors in their dresses; and there were no staff to clean their plates.
It wasn’t long until people vented their fury on social media, calling the event a “scam” and “complete chaos”.
One post said: “Backdrops and decor on party city/dollar general level. They didn’t even pay the photographer and the pictures were a hassle to get if you didn’t have airdrop.”
Food apparently ran out after an hour, and some was raw. No one was there to pick up plates, so you had to deal with strangers’ leftovers yourself pic.twitter.com/VpbZqHZxwS
— Rachel Eaton @ Realta (@rayleearts) September 24, 2024
Guests quickly drew similarities with the UK Wonka event, which also left fans feeling cheated as it did not turn out as advertised earlier this year.
“Oh my god no they Wonka experience’d Bridgerton too,” one user wrote, while someone else called it “the new Wonka experience”.
Many left the ball early while others complained to organisers Uncle N Me LLC, who released an apologetic statement.
“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,” they said, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
“Our intention was to provide a magical evening, but we recognise that organisational 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 …we are committed to doing everything in our power to make this right.”
The London Standard has approached an event representative for comment.
