Attendees of Bored Ape Yacht Club’s ApeFest Concert Experience Eye Pain
Several attendees of the ApeFest concert organized by the Bored Ape Yacht Club have reported experiencing severe eye pain, with some even requiring hospital visits. One attendee took to Twitter to advise others to get their eyes checked, as they may have suffered from UV burns that could lead to long-term vision impairment and other serious damage if left untreated. Similar tweets from other attendees suggest that the symptoms may be due to photokeratitis, which is like sunburn on the corneas caused by excessive exposure to UV rays.
Hypotheses About High-Powered UV-C Bulbs
Twitter users have speculated that the intense illumination used during ApeFest may have come from high-powered UV-C bulbs intended for surface disinfection rather than regular blacklights. This theory is supported by a previous incident at a Hypebeast event in Hong Kong where attendees experienced similar symptoms attributed to the use of UV-C bulbs. However, the exact cause of the eye pain experienced by ApeFest attendees has not been confirmed, and Yuga Labs, the creator of Bored Apes, stated that it is currently investigating the matter.
Yuga Labs Takes the Situation Seriously
A spokesperson from Yuga Labs acknowledged the situation and assured that they are treating it seriously. The company is actively communicating with those affected and conducting multiple investigations to determine the root cause. They estimate that the 15 individuals they have been in direct contact with represent less than one percent of the approximately 2,250 event attendees and staff.
About ApeFest and Bored Ape Yacht Club
ApeFest is a three-day event exclusively for members of the Bored Ape Yacht Club, a popular non-fungible token (NFT) project in the cryptocurrency space. Owning a Bored Ape NFT not only grants access to unique digital artwork but also provides entry to exclusive events like ApeFest. The floor price for a Bored Ape NFT currently stands at 28 ETH, equivalent to $53,000.
Hot Take: Safety Precautions Must Be Prioritized at Crypto Events
The reported cases of eye pain and potential UV burns at ApeFest highlight the importance of prioritizing safety precautions at crypto events. Whether it is ensuring proper lighting arrangements or taking other necessary measures, event organizers must prioritize the well-being of attendees to avoid any health hazards or long-lasting damage. As the popularity of NFT projects and crypto events continues to grow, it becomes crucial for organizers to create a safe and enjoyable environment for participants.