Partygoers who attended this weekend’s ApeFest NFT event have complained of burns and eye problems, with organiser Yuga Labs vowing to investigate.
In 2017, HKFP reported on a similar incident at a Hypebeast event, where an inappropriate choice of ultraviolet light left revellers with skin burn and light sensitivity.
A Yuga Labs spokesperson told HKFP on Tuesday that it was aware that some attendees were reporting eye pain, vision issues, or skin irritation after attending the event.
“We are distressed by these reports, as nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of our community, many of whom we spent significant facetime with over the weekend,” the spokesperson said. “We suggest that anyone experiencing symptoms seek medical attention.”
The spokesperson added that the team was investigating with ApeFest vendors and contractors to identify the cause of the issue.
“Based on our estimates, we believe that much less than 1% of those attending and working the event had these symptoms. While nearly everyone has indicated their symptoms have improved, we encourage anybody who feels them to seek medical attention just in case,” they said.
Another said: “Got diagnosed with ‘photokeratitis over both eyes, accident related’ with prescribed steroid eye drops and eye lubricants. My vision was tested as close to perfect with no serious cornea damage, luckily.”
One X user who attended said that a doctor told them stage lights were to blame.
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