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- RRUPDATES📍: Yuga Labs’ “ApeFestHK” Was A Blinder, For The Wrong Reasons 👁️
RRUPDATES📍: Yuga Labs’ “ApeFestHK” Was A Blinder, For The Wrong Reasons 👁️
In a surprising turn of events at the recent ApeFest event in Hong Kong, Yuga Labs, the creative powerhouse behind the Bored Ape Yacht Club NFT collection, acknowledged that ultraviolet lights were the likely culprit behind eye pain and skin irritation reported by around 20 attendees.
The R Roundup
November 09, 2023
RRUPDATES📍: Yuga Labs’ “ApeFestHK” Was A Blinder, For The Wrong Reasons 👁️
In a surprising turn of events at the recent ApeFest event in Hong Kong, Yuga Labs, the creative powerhouse behind the Bored Ape Yacht Club NFT collection, acknowledged that ultraviolet lights were the likely culprit behind eye pain and skin irritation reported by around 20 attendees.
The incident, which occurred on November 4 at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, cast a shadow over the gathering of approximately 2,250 NFT enthusiasts, collectors, and Bored Ape Yacht Club members.
Yuga Labs confirmed that UV-A emitting lights, typically found in suntanning salons, had been installed in one corner of the event.
On Sunday, November 5, Yuga Labs began to receive reports that some ApeFest attendees and staff experienced eye pain, vision issues, or skin irritation following the Saturday night community event. These reports were - and continue to be - deeply concerning to us. We immediately… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…
— Bored Ape Yacht Club (@BoredApeYC)
Nov 9, 2023
The aftermath saw attendees, including well-known Bored Ape NFT holder "Crypto June," experiencing discomfort and seeking medical attention. Crypto June recounted waking up in agony after the event, prompting a trip to the hospital due to severe eye pain, a consequence of exposure to ultraviolet light.
In response, Yuga Labs collaborated with global brand agency Jack Morton Worldwide to investigate the incident thoroughly. The inquiry involved a comprehensive review of the event's equipment, including paint and lighting, along with interviews with contractors responsible for ApeFest installations. The investigation revealed that the UV-A lights were indeed the source of attendees' discomfort.
The incident, while unfortunate, sparked widespread discussion both within the crypto community and traditional media outlets, including coverage by The Financial Times. Social media was abuzz with discussions and, regrettably, jokes about the event, with some poking fun at the laser beams on Bored Ape Yacht Club NFTs allegedly pointing into people's eyes instead of outward.
The affected ape holders rn
— Phin 🎮 (@Phin_totten)
Nov 9, 2023
In a statement, Yuga Labs expressed their disappointment, emphasizing their commitment to fostering a strong community spirit through events like ApeFest. Despite the setback, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring attendees' safety and well-being at all future events within the NFT space.
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