Following a grand tradition of comically underwhelming events that turned into memes, a Detroit-based “Bridgerton Ball” went viral after disappointed attendees posted about their experience online.
The event (which was not associated with Netflix) was organized by Uncle & Me LLC, and the original Instagram advertisement promised “dancing, live entertainment, exquisite refreshments, and enchanting surprise.”
The event certainly delivered “surprise,” although “enchanting” might not be the correct description.
Tickets weren’t cheap, starting at $150, and the ball was expected to echo the elegance and sophistication of the popular Netflix series.
What Happened At The Viral Bridgerton-Themed Ball?
Attendees arrived at the event dressed up for the occasion, only to be deeply disappointed, later labeling the event a “scam.”
Guests documented the chaos on TikTok, revealing barren rooms with blaring speakers, tables overflowing with discarded food, and not a single period-accurate furnishing in sight.
The event (which was not associated with Netflix) was organized by Uncle & Me LLC, and the original Instagram advertisement promised “dancing, live entertainment, exquisite refreshments, and enchanting surprise.”
The event certainly delivered “surprise,” although “enchanting” might not be the correct description.
Tickets weren’t cheap, starting at $150, and the ball was expected to echo the elegance and sophistication of the popular Netflix series.
What Happened At The Viral Bridgerton-Themed Ball?
Attendees arrived at the event dressed up for the occasion, only to be deeply disappointed, later labeling the event a “scam.”
Guests documented the chaos on TikTok, revealing barren rooms with blaring speakers, tables overflowing with discarded food, and not a single period-accurate furnishing in sight.
An X (Twitter) thread by webcomic artist Rachel Eaton documenting the event went viral, with a picture showing despondent attendees sitting on the floor, checking their phones, summarizing the tone of the so-called “Bridgerton Ball.”
Attendees claimed that there was no one cleaning up the dirty plates left by the guests and that plastic cups were being reused—some even claimed that there was raw chicken being served.
The promised live music turned out to be a single violinist, and instead of ballroom dancing, there was a pole dancer performing for the crestfallen crowd.
Attendees claimed that there was no one cleaning up the dirty plates left by the guests and that plastic cups were being reused—some even claimed that there was raw chicken being served.
The promised live music turned out to be a single violinist, and instead of ballroom dancing, there was a pole dancer performing for the crestfallen crowd.
I’m sorry but the Bridgerton Ball scam is so funny to me bc what do you mean you paid $300 to walk around in a ball gown, eat buffet food, and watch a pole dancer dancing to songs played by a singular violinist?? LMAOOOO
— pressed flower (@curlybrownkid) September 25, 2024
The Cut interviewed “Tink,” the pole dancer hired for the event, who did her best despite the bizarre situation, but was sympathetic to the surge of complaints: “I definitely understand why the guests are very upset,” she said.
Eaton concluded her viral thread hoping that the backlash would result in a lawsuit; others agreed, with many guests noting that they had spent hundreds of dollars on elaborate outfits and hotel rooms.
The massively disappointing event was compared to the Glasgow Willy Wonka fiasco, the disastrous Fyre Festival, and even Dashcon, a now-iconic 2014 fan convention which became the stuff of internet legend after falling far, far short of expectations.
When one supreme fades away, another rises 😂 #Bridgertonball https://t.co/LQjzqUb22L pic.twitter.com/Iw78nPWqxR
— TS (@tennisbagz) September 25, 2024
While the ball proved immensely disappointing for the guests, it did, at least, provide plenty of material for memes.
Not now sweetie, I’m reading all the posts about the dumpster fire that was the Detroit Bridgerton Ball. pic.twitter.com/EQ5nhjlggU
— Gabriella Patti-Meadows (@GabriMaria2) September 23, 2024
Dashcon was defined by a sad picture of a tiny “ball pit” placed in the middle of an empty room, while the “depressed Oompa-Loompa” became the face of Glasgow’s Willy Wonka event; bored guests scrolling their phones instantly became the iconic image of Bridgerton Ball (although, the pole dancer came in close second).
