Key Points
- A Bridgerton-themed ball left ticket holders disappointed, with guests demanding refunds.
- Photos of the event have gone viral, with fans comparing it to an infamous Willy Wonka-themed event in Scotland.
- The event was not affiliated with Netflix or Bridgerton's production company, Shondaland.
Fans of Netflix's popular romance series were let down after an unofficial Bridgerton-themed ball in Detroit were given a less-than-authentic experience.
The Detroit Bridgerton Ball was held on Sunday, with tickets reportedly costing between US$150 ($220) and US$1,000 ($1462).
The ball's official website, which is currently down, promised a lot.
It stated guests would "experience a night like no others filled with music, dance, and exquisite costumes" and guaranteed "an evening of sophistication, grace, and historical charm".
A guest wrote on X that the food was undercooked and ran out after just an hour. Credit: X
"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," one guest wrote on Reddit.
Another guest wrote the event was: "so damaging to the Bridgerton brand".
"I'm so shocked that this was even allowed!"
Other guests also complained about the advertised live music, stating that only a "lone violin player" was in charge of the music.
Another guest wrote on X: "Food apparently ran out after an hour, and some was raw. No one was there to pick up plates, so you had to deal with strangers' leftovers yourself."
A bikini-clad pole dancer also made an appearance at the event, prompting many fans to wonder what this had to do with the Bridgerton theme.
The pole dancer told a Detroit television station she was hired just three hours before the event.
What do we know about the organisers?
The event was not endorsed by or associated with Netflix or Bridgerton's production company, Shondaland; it was organised by a company called Uncle N Me LLC.
In a statement to 7 News Detroit, the company said it understood "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".
"We take full responsibility and accountability for these shortcomings," it stated.
Some social media users were quick to compare the event to
Police were called to that event, which was themed around the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory franchise, as families demanded refunds due to unmet expectations.
