ApeFest Takes a Turn for the Worse
What was supposed to be a joyous celebration for Bored and Mutant Ape Yacht Club owners in Hong Kong last week turned into an unexpected horror show. On November 5, some attendees reported troubling symptoms like eye pain and skin irritation. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t the eggnog’s fault. It turns out the culprit was none other than the ultraviolet (UV) lights overshadowing the event.
UV Light Exposure: The Unseen Danger
Attendees, who thought they were mingling under the disco lights, instead found themselves under serious UV-A emitting lights. According to the World Health Organization, these lights account for about 95% of the UV radiation that blesses us from above—or, in this case, blisters us. Eye problems and skin irritations? Oh yeah, they’re on that list, especially when you’re soaking up the rays from the wrong source.
Yuga Labs Scrambles to Respond
In a post from the Bored Ape Yacht Club’s account on November 9, the NFT conglomerate confirmed the much-dreaded hunch: the unfortunate light setup was indeed behind the reported issues. A joint investigation between Yuga Labs and Jack Morton Worldwide, the event’s production agency, zeroed in on the misbehaving lights, conducting on-site inspections, interviewing contractors, and pouring over equipment logs as if they were preparing for a high-stakes game show.
The Science Behind the Lights
Now here’s where the plot thickens. UVA lights—the dark ninjas of the infrared spectrum—are often used for various purposes. These range from providing a ‘natural glow’ in tanning beds to creating vibrant atmospheres in nightclubs. Apparently, blending the two to make art—instead of a medical mission—can lead to casualties. But don’t worry; the BAYC didn’t give specifics on the types of lights used, leaving us all guessing, which is half the fun, right?
Call to Action: Seek Help!
The BAYC has put out a heartfelt plea for anyone affected to seek medical assistance and let them know about the exposure. Their social media also encouraged impacted individuals to reach out for support, though it’s worth noting that the comment section wasn’t exactly the place for cozy conversations. “Disabling DMs on X? Someone’s not getting their user experience award this year!”
Conclusion: Lighten Up! But Safely
To sum it up, technology can be both a friend and foe. While it can create vibrant experiences, it can also bring about unforeseen, sometimes painful consequences. Yuga Labs has vowed to help those affected and expresses genuine regret that this incident overshadowed the joyous atmosphere of ApeFest. Hopefully, as we move forward, we remember to keep the lights—and the safety—on for future events.
