A recent NFT event in Hong Kong called ApeFest has left some attendees with severe skin burns and eye pain. One attendee named @CryptoJune777 took to Twitter to share her experience, stating that she woke up unable to see and had to go to the hospital. Yuga Labs, the blockchain company behind the Bored Ape Yacht Club NFT project, has acknowledged the situation and is investigating the root cause of these incidents. Yuga Labs spokesperson Emily Kitts stated that they are actively reaching out to and gathering information from those affected.
In response to the reports, Yuga Labs estimates that the percentage of people affected is less than 1% of those who attended the Saturday night event. The company does not disclose specific attendance numbers but assures that they are taking the situation seriously. Meanwhile, it is important to note that a similar incident occurred in 2017 at a Hypebeast event in Hong Kong, where attendees also experienced sunburn and burning eye pain. However, the two incidents seem unrelated as the ApeFest event did not feature the same venue where the lighting was believed to have caused the symptoms in 2017.
These unfortunate incidents at the ApeFest event highlight the potential dangers associated with attending large gatherings and events. It is crucial for event organizers to prioritize the safety and well-being of attendees, thoroughly investigate incidents, and take appropriate precautions to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. Yuga Labs’ prompt response and commitment to understanding the root cause of these issues demonstrate their dedication to addressing the concerns and ensuring a safe environment for their participants in future events.