(CBS Detroit) — Attendees at the rescheduled “Bridgerton” ball at Detroit’s Harmony Club on Sunday night are voicing their frustration online, saying the event didn’t live up to their expectations.
Fans of the TV show Bridgerton were already unhappy when the event was postponed from August to this Sunday after the original venue, Castle Hall, cancelled its contract with organisers over safety concerns. Those who attended the event at Harmony Club this weekend have called it a “disaster”.
The event was originally scheduled to host 3,000 guests, with tickets ranging in price from $150 to $1,000, and many people attended the postponed event with reluctance, as they were unable to receive refunds.
“We didn’t get an email saying the event was cancelled, so we just showed up dressed up,” said Shauna Schade, who attended the ball.
Schade said he only stayed for about an hour after learning about what had happened.
“It was so hot and it was clear there was no food or drink available,” she said.
Another participant quickly posted a reaction to TikTok after the “ball” “failed.”
“Are we at a club or a ball?” Nita Morton asked in a TikTok post.
Guests were promised live music, an elegant backdrop and an immersive experience in the world of “Bridgerton.”
“She was the only one playing live music,” Morton said, showing a video of a violinist. “It was three stories. Three stories. I think I saw her maybe twice the whole time.”
“Doesn’t this look like something your cousin had at a baby shower and made a quick run to Family Dollar to buy? You’re right.
“Look at what the caterers are wearing. And this isn’t a caterer. I don’t know where the caterers are.”
Morton said she was further disappointed when she spent another $600 on hair, makeup and costumes.
“People spent hundreds of dollars not only on tickets but also on upkeep and dressing appropriately for this ball,” Morton said.
Morton said her requests for refunds would be denied because promoter Uncle N. Me LLC maintains a strict no-refund policy, and she said she probably could have gotten in without paying for a ticket.
“They didn’t check my ticket,” she said. “They weren’t checking the tickets. They let everyone in. I’d rather keep all my money and throw it away myself.”
Morton estimated that about half of the original 3,000 guests showed up, but said many, like Schade, left quickly after realizing what was actually going to happen.
CBS News Detroit has reached out to Uncle N Me LLC and is awaiting a response.