Billy McFarland Addresses Concerns About Fyre Festival 2 in Video Statement

Billy McFarland is reinforcing his announcement from last month that Fyre Festival 2 is scheduled to occur on Isla Mujeres in Mexico from May 30 – June 2. He responded to claims from authorities suggesting otherwise in a seven-part video aimed at addressing the numerous concerns regarding this controversial event.

“Fyre is real,” McFarland asserts at the start of the Instagram post, failing to provide a detailed explanation of how his interactions with local authorities may have been misinterpreted. This statement seems to reference comments made by Isla Mujeres Tourism Director Edgar Gasca, who informed The Guardian that, “for us, this is an event that does not exist.”

He goes on to highlight his “incredible partners,” who he claims are “responsible for logistics, production, and operations.” While he refrains from naming the organization, it is presumed he is referring to Mexico-based Lostnights, announced as a primary collaborator last month.

McFarland promises “accommodations with villas, yachts, and hotels,” and mentions he has severed ties with two hotels that were contacted by the media and stated they were not affiliated with Fyre Festival 2. It remains uncertain if Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets, which denied involvement in a February statement, is one of the hotels he is referencing, as they are still listed as a partner on the event’s website.

“We have talent,” McFarland claims, seemingly responding to reactions from his Today appearance, where he avoided confirming whether any artists had been booked. He assures that “artists, athletes, and other performers” are “on board and scheduled,” yet he does not disclose any names despite the festival being less than three months away.

McFarland reflects on the aftermath of the 2017 inaugural edition of Fyre Festival, stating he has “made 40 restitution payments since being released 30 months ago” and intends to exceed what is “legally required” by “giving a large percentage of Fyre’s profits directly to restitution.” He spent four years in federal prison for wire fraud after attendees arrived at a site in the Bahamas littered with garbage and faced extreme shortages of food and shelter.

In response to another comment by Edgar Gasca, McFarland asserts that Fyre’s organizers have “maintained communication with local and state government to ensure full compliance and a successful event.” Gasca had previously claimed that no one connected to the festival had reached out to his office.

“Fyre 2 is moving forward, and we are proceeding with full integrity,” McFarland states toward the conclusion of the video. Given the brand’s troubled history — and the fact that his statement fails to adequately address public concerns — it is difficult to envision anyone placing any trust in his assurances.

For more details regarding what organizers have planned for the gathering, including the $1.1 million “Prometheus” ticket package, visit the Fyre Festival 2 website.