This past weekend, a Bridgerton-themed event in Detroit turned out to be such a fiasco that it has been likened to the infamous Fyre Festival and the disastrous Willy Wonka Glasgow Experience, quickly earning the moniker “Scamerton.”

The event was organized by Uncle N Me LLC (written as Uncle & Me LLC), and it was not an official event affiliated with Netflix. It had originally been promoted as the “Detroit Bridgerton Themed Ball,” with promises of an enchanting Regency-era experience filled with “elegance, charm, and historical flair.”

“Enjoy a night unlike any other filled with music, dancing, and stunning costumes,” the company’s website boasted. Their social media posts also promised beautiful decor inspired by the popular series, live entertainment, delicious refreshments, and delightful surprises throughout an evening of “elegance and romance.”

However, attendees reported that their tickets, which ranged from $150 to $1,000, only provided them with undercooked meals, shoddy decorations, a single violinist, and an exotic dancer.

A Bridgerton Ball Gone Wrong

The Detroit Bridgerton Ball was initially scheduled for August 25 but was postponed to September 22 due to venue issues, as stated by the event management team. The gathering was ultimately held at the historic Harmonie Club.

X, formerly known as Twitter, user @rayleearts shared their experience, noting that they, along with many others, purchased $300 tickets and found it impossible to contact the event organizers during the rescheduling. Several people online claimed they received no refunds or responses to their inquiries regarding this change.

Unfortunately, this was just the start of the attendees’ problems, as reported on social media.

A TikTok video posted by user @kiimberyly featured clips of groups of elegantly dressed attendees lining up outside in the rain, with many choosing to leave.

“This was at 7 p.m the event started at 6 p.m. I hadn’t even entered yet, and over 60 people had already left. Those who were leaving told me to join them for bar hopping,” the caption stated. “No security, no check-in, no organizers present,” the clip noted, reflecting a prevalent complaint online that ticket checks were poorly executed, allowing random individuals to enter and eat without restriction.

“No food, no drinks, not enough chairs or tables, no performers, no organizers around” the video continued. Music seemed to come primarily from speakers, which was another point of frustration for many attendees. Instead of the expected live music, it was just a single violinist and an exotic dancer providing entertainment.

A TikTok user who captured the dismal food lines claimed attendees reported “the chicken was undercooked and cups were reused.” Ultimately, the venue ran out of food, prompting her and her partner to leave in search of a meal elsewhere.

Another TikTok video from @thats.resa showed the disappointing plate of food (two chicken wings, a meatball, and small portions of mashed potatoes, green beans, and pasta) she received at the event. Commenters criticized it, likening it to Hamburger Helper, suggesting that Lady Whistledown would find plenty to report about it. Many posts indicated that the food supplies were depleted within about an hour.

Commenters speculated that the meager decor in the venue was sourced from discount or dollar stores. They lamented that none of the promised activities, such as a best-dressed contest with a cash prize and the selection of a Diamond of the Season, occurred. Additional photos depicted a gloomy scene of bored guests in formal wear sitting on the floor, scrolling on their phones.

‘This was clearly a scam’

She also pointed out many guests, including herself, had incurred extra expenses for attire such as fancy dresses, costume alterations, accessories, hair and makeup, and transportation, asserting that the attendance cost was not aligned with the event’s quality.

“I cannot emphasize enough that this was a scam,” she concluded.

Response from Event Organizers

Uncle N Me LLC did not give a prompt reply to inquiries but issued a statement to local ABC affiliate 7 News Detroit.

“We understand that not all attendees had the experience they desired during our most recent event at The Harmonie Club, and we sincerely apologize for that,” their statement to 7 News read. “We aimed to create a magical evening but recognize that organizational challenges impacted the enjoyment for some guests. We fully accept responsibility for these shortcomings.”

“Rest assured, we are actively working to resolve all concerns to ensure all guests receive the enjoyable experience they deserve,” the statement added. “Your feedback is invaluable to us, and we greatly appreciate both positive and constructive comments shared with us.”

A Facebook group named Bridgerton Ball Scam – Detroit has been established for disappointed guests to air grievances, share experiences and photos, and discuss potential legal action against Uncle N Me LLC.

Posts in the group included guidance on how to report fraud to local law enforcement, and information on an alleged class action lawsuit involving 100-150 participants that several attorneys are investigating. Other posts explored further actions, such as reporting to the state Attorney General.