ApeFest Leaves Attendees with Eye Problems
ApeFest, an event hosted by Yuga Labs, the creator of Bored Ape Yacht Club and Mutant Ape Yacht Club, took place in Hong Kong over the weekend and resulted in several attendees experiencing eye problems. Many participants reported instances of “eye burn” on X, which was attributed to the intense light show at the party.
Eye Conditions and Calls for Action
One crypto trader, Adrian Zduńczyk, shared his diagnosis of photokeratitis, a condition caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet light. Zduńczyk urged others with similar symptoms to seek medical help and called for Yuga Labs to issue an official statement with recommendations for those affected. He warned that without proper treatment, the damage could lead to long-lasting vision impairment and other serious issues.
Similar Incidents in the Past
Zduńczyk compared the symptoms experienced at ApeFest to those seen at another event in Hong Kong in 2017, where partygoers suffered burns and light sensitivity due to the installation of incorrect bulbs.
Treatment and Reactions from Attendees
Zduńczyk received a diagnosis of “photokeratitis over both eyes, accident related.” While he didn’t sustain serious cornea damage, he was prescribed steroid eye drops and lubricants. Other attendees also reported extreme pain and skin burns, with some seeking medical attention at emergency rooms.
Yuga Labs’ Response
A spokesperson from Yuga Labs acknowledged the situation and assured that they were taking it seriously. They stated that they were actively reaching out to affected individuals and investigating the root cause. The spokesperson emphasized that the reported cases represented less than one percent of the event’s attendees and staff.
Logistical Criticisms
In addition to safety concerns, attendees criticized the event’s logistics. Some expressed frustration over long waits for merchandise, particularly if their desired size was sold out. This led to concerns about the organization and management skills of Yuga Labs.
NFT Market Challenges
Yuga Labs is currently navigating the downturn in the NFT market. The floor price of the Bored Ape Yacht Club collection has fallen 65% this year, while Mutant Ape Yacht Club NFTs have experienced a similar decline of around 70%. Despite this, Yuga Labs recently announced a partnership with Magin Eden to launch an Ethereum NFT marketplace with a focus on enforcing creator royalties.
Hot Take: ApeFest Highlights Safety and Organizational Issues
The incident at ApeFest raises concerns about the safety measures implemented at crypto events. Attendees should be cautious about potential risks associated with intense light shows and ensure they take necessary precautions. Additionally, event organizers must prioritize logistics to provide a seamless experience for attendees who invest significant amounts in collectibles. Yuga Labs’ response will be crucial in addressing the concerns raised by affected participants and maintaining trust within the community.
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