The Bridgerton Ball event in Detroit failed to meet expectations (Image: X/Netflix)
Netflix faces clamour for a fresh documentary charting the fallout from an unofficial Bridgerton event hosted in Detroit.
Fans of the period drama were lured in by promises of a ball that would transport them into the realm of Regency splendour, yet their high hopes turned to fury as the soiree – for which tickets cost between $150 and $1,000 – failed to meet expectation.
The Reporter disclosed that attendees in period attire had to sit on the ground and were offered only KitKats to purchase. The amusement on offer was a lone stripper.
The debacle has played out on social media, featuring snaps from the event which was initially plugged as a chance to “step into the enchanting world of the Regency-era…for an evening of sophistication, grace and historical charm.”
Observers are now drawing parallels to the disastrous Willy Wonka experience in Scotland earlier this year. The Bridgerton-themed fiasco is also being compared to the Fyre Festival – a music event that fell apart despite its luxury veneer and later became the subject of a documentary.
The entertainment was one pole dancer, which some thought didn’t fit the theme (Image: @rayleearts on X)
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The Bridgerton ball event was not at all affiliated with , although the streaming platform does host a touring Bridgerton experience event called The Queen’s Ball, reports .
Bridgerton fans have been up in arms on behalf of the eventgoers, with many taking to social media to express their outrage at the mishap. One social media user voiced their empathy: “The sad part is, the guests all looked phenomenal and clearly really wanted this event. Even saw some people arriving in horse and carriage. I hope everyone gets their money back. This is insane.”
Another mused that the situation could make for an eye-opening production, quipping: ” made a documentary on Fyre Festival, now they should do a series on the Willy Wonka experience and this Bridgerton Ball.”
Additionally, a disgruntled guest revealed to a local TV station: “The way it was described was this would be [a] Bridgerton event and we were going to have classical music, a good dinner, and there was going to be a play.”
Bridgerton is now streaming on Netflix (Image: (Image: Netflix))
Another dismayed guest vented on , writing: “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 bs experience!”.
Following the widespread criticism, Uncle N Me LLC, which orchestrated the botched function, issued an apology, admitting in a 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.”
“Our intention was to provide a magical evening, but we recognize 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.”