Investors Wake Up “Blind” After Bored Ape Event
Participants of a gathering for owners of Bored Ape NFTs have shared disturbing accounts of experiencing severe eye pain and vision loss after late-night performances featuring intense laser and blacklight displays. ApeFest, organized by Yuga Labs, the parent company of Bored Ape Yacht Club, took place in Hong Kong from November 3-5. The exclusive event was accessible only to holders of Bored Ape NFTs, linked to a cryptocurrency project that peaked in 2021 but recently suffered a significant decline, resulting in substantial financial losses for many investors.
One attendee revealed, “I woke up at 04:00 and couldn’t see anymore. Had so much pain, and my whole skin is burned. Needed to go to the hospital.” Another participant shared a similar experience, attributing the issues to the ultraviolet (UV) lighting of the stage, which the doctor likened to sunlight, leading to persistent vision problems. Despite wearing eyeglasses, some attendees reported skin burns and eye-related problems, expressing astonishment at the unexpected health consequences.
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Expressing frustration, an attendee questioned the impact on their eyes after a night at #ApeFest, accompanied by a photo taken in a room illuminated with intense blacklights. They remarked, “Been to lots of concerts, festivals, Burning Man, and never have I ever experienced messed-up eyes like this.”
Interestingly, despite the alarming eye pain experiences, some participants still praised the event organizers. One individual expressed appreciation for the logistical aspects of ApeFest and the chance to meet outstanding people. However, they stressed the urgency of addressing the eye-related issues, suggesting that the organizers release an official statement with recommendations for affected individuals.
Notably, visuals from the event depicted lively crowds engaging in energetic moshing during performances, set against conference rooms bathed in blacklight and lasers. The specific location within the venue where the eye damage occurred remains unclear. Bored Ape Yacht Club acknowledged the problem in an early Monday morning post, indicating awareness of the eye-related issues and proactive efforts to identify potential causes. The official account reassured attendees that less than 1% of those present at the event were likely affected, and while most reported symptom improvement, they encouraged anyone experiencing issues to seek medical attention as a precautionary measure.
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