On November 5, 2023, Yuga Labs, the parent company of the popular Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC), began addressing alarming reports from attendees of ApeFest 2023. The event, held the previous night, saw several attendees and staff members experiencing disturbing symptoms, including eye pain, vision issues, and skin irritation. The company’s immediate response to these reports marked the beginning of a crucial investigation.
Yuga Labs, in partnership with Jack Morton Worldwide, a global brand experience agency, launched a comprehensive inquiry into the incident. This investigation involved meticulous reviews of various elements such as inventory records, material logs, spec sheets (including those for paint and lighting), and interviews with contractors responsible for the ApeFest installations. Additionally, on-site inspections and testing were conducted to identify the root cause.
The investigation’s findings, as revealed by Yuga Labs, pointed to the installation of UV-A emitting lights in a particular section of the event venue as the likely cause of the health issues reported by attendees. This conclusion aligns with speculations made by community members and the public prior to the official announcement.
Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, Yuga Labs has advised individuals experiencing symptoms to seek medical attention and inform their healthcare providers about the potential link to UV-A light exposure. The company has also requested affected individuals to reach out directly via their Twitter handle, @BoredApeYC, for support and further guidance.
Yuga Labs emphasized the centrality of community in its ethos and expressed regret that the incident overshadowed the purpose of ApeFest, which is to foster real-life connections within its community. The company, along with Jack Morton, reaffirmed their commitment to assisting the recovery of those affected.
In a subsequent update, Yuga Labs cautioned the public about potential spam or phishing links masquerading as official communications. They directed followers to cross-reference information with Yuga Labs’ official news site and other verified channels to avoid falling victim to online scams.
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