Artfi CEO Sues Bored Ape Yacht Club for Eye Infection at ApeFest
Asif Kamal, founder and CEO of art technology company Artfi, revealed to Decrypt that his company is taking legal action against Yuga Labs, the creator of Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC). This decision comes after Kamal suffered an eye infection and facial burns during ApeFest in Hong Kong last week.
Several other attendees also reported eye injuries due to the festival’s lighting setup. Kamal expressed his concern about the situation and emphasized the need for accountability.
Yuga Labs responded by stating that they were still investigating the matter and taking it seriously. Twitter users speculated that UV-C bulbs were used instead of blacklights, causing the eye problems.
Kamal sent a legal notice to Yuga Labs following his hospitalization in Hong Kong. He described feeling helpless and blind for hours, emphasizing his vulnerability during the incident.
Yuga Labs estimated that less than 1% of ApeFest attendees experienced eye-related issues. Kamal, along with other affected individuals, is calling for enhanced safety measures at public events to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Critical Aftermath: Artfi CEO Speaks Out
Kamal wore sunglasses during a video interview from Dubai due to ongoing eye discomfort. He expressed dissatisfaction with his vision’s current state and highlighted similar symptoms in other attendees post-ApeFest.
Prior to attending ApeFest, Kamal purchased a Bored Ape NFT worth $60,000 to support the community. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing human safety at events like ApeFest despite its association with NFTs and digital communities.
Hot Take: Urgent Need for Safety Measures at NFT Events
The incident at ApeFest has raised serious concerns about safety at NFT events. It is essential for event organizers to prioritize human well-being alongside digital innovation and community support.