Fans furious after Detroit event fails

Bridgerton fans are furious after an unofficial prom in Detroit based on the Netflix series fell far short of expectations.

Sunday’s event was supposed to be a glamorous affair with ballroom dancing and music, similar to that enjoyed by members of Regency high society in the hit series.

But the event has since gone viral on social media, with attendees complaining it was a “rip-off”, with cheap decor, undercooked food and just a stripper for entertainment.

The event’s organizers, Uncle & Me LLC, did not respond to the BBC’s request for comment, but told a local media outlet they were working to address the concerns.

The event was not endorsed by or associated with Netflix or the production company Shondaland.

Advertising for the event invited fans to “enter the enchanting world of the Regency era at the Detroit Bridgerton-themed ball.”

“Join us for an evening of sophistication, grace and historical charm. Experience a night like no other, filled with music, dancing and exquisite costumes,” it read.

But fans are now demanding refunds, with photos and videos circulating on social networks showing women, dressed in their finest outfits, sitting on the floor scrolling through videos on their phones.

“This is similar to the Fyre Festival scam,” one Facebook user wrote, referring to another infamous failed venture.

“I’ve seen kids parties that looked better. It was naked and ugly,” wrote another, who said most people had left by 9 p.m.

Screenshots of online tickets showed prices starting at around $150, but others spent more for the “Duke and Duchess” package that included dinner.

But the meal was criticised by attendees, with one declaring it “horrible” and others saying it was still raw.

“The chicken was undercooked and the pasta was cold. By the time I got a plate they were out of food,” one wrote.

Several people also complained about food shortages.

Meanwhile, the entertainment was also disappointing, with just one violinist despite guests being told there would be a full orchestra.

There was also a stripper pole dancing, which left some fans wondering what the connection was to Bridgerton.

“They hired a stripper, we were promised an instrumental performance,” wrote a TikTok user.

She added that more than 60 people were leaving as she arrived. “The people who were leaving told me to go bar hopping with them.”

Another disappointed TikToker posted a picture of the outfit She says she “wasted” her time at the event.

“I was ready to be diamond of the season. I left early,” she said.

In an interview Detroit acrobat Tink told local news station WXYZ-TV that she was hired as a pole dancer just three hours before the event.

“I really feel bad for all the patrons who came to the event just because my goal as an artist is to bring happiness and joy to everyone,” she said.

“It was a bit disappointing to me that everyone was so unhappy with the outcome.”

Social media users were quick to note the similarities to other viral fails, including the Fyre Festival in the Bahamas and The Willy Wonka Experience in Glasgowwhich saw a handful of embarrassed actors trying to make the most of some sad props and a bouncy castle.

In a statement to WXYZ-TV, Uncle & Me LLC said, “We understand that not everyone had the experience they hoped for at our most recent event Sunday night at Harmonie Club, and for that, we sincerely apologize.

“Our intention was to deliver a magical evening, but we acknowledge that organizational difficulties affected the enjoyment of some guests. We take full responsibility for these shortcomings.”

The company said it was working to address all concerns raised by customers, adding: “We are reviewing resolution options, which will be communicated shortly.”