The renowned NFT project Bored Ape Yacht Club’s (BAYC) parent company, Yuga Labs,held its annual ApeFest event as scheduled from November 3rd to 5th last week. Any BAYC and MAYC token holders were welcome to join the grand event held in Hong Kong.

After the ApeFest event, participants mentioned that the lighting was too intense, causing discomfort to their eyes. BAYC also reported this on the 6th.

It is advised that those affected seek medical attention promptly, and an investigation will be launched, as stated. At the same time, official estimates suggest that less than 1% of participants experienced these symptoms.

BAYC Apologises After the Investigation

They also began an investigation, which included a thorough review of inventory records, material logs, and specifications (including paint and lighting).

They have been in touch with the contractor responsible for building the ApeFest facility, conducting tests, and on-site inspections.

This comprehensive investigation was conducted in collaboration with Jack Morton Worldwide, a global brand experience agency responsible for organising the 2023 ApeFest event.

It has been confirmed that the UV-A emitting lights installed in one corner of the event are likely the cause of the reported eye and skin issues among attendees.

This morning, the BAYC issued an apology statement, acknowledging the mistaken installation of the ultraviolet lamp during the event.

Affected Persons on Social Media

One of the participants in ApeFest, CryptoJune, expressed on X,

"Woke up in the middle of the night after Apefest with so much pain in my eyes that I had to go to the hospital."

Do read Here for more affected cases!

Not the First Time in Hong Kong

In response to this, KOL CryptoFinally shared on X that this is not the first time such a situation has occurred during events held in Hong Kong.

In 2017, the trend information website HYPEBEAST experienced a similar situation when the lighting contractor installed ultraviolet germicidal lamps instead of stage lights, resulting in discomfort to the eyes and skin of the participants on-site.

It seems that in the future, when organising any outsourcing projects related to light themes in Hong Kong, extra attention should be paid.

At the same time, the main organisers also have the responsibility to communicate and follow up with the outsourcing units, since it is more than just the contractor's responsibility.