Okay, let’s talk about the latest Bridgerton-themed mess — except this time, it wasn’t on Netflix, and there was no steamy romance to save the day. Picture this: you’re ready to step into the luxurious world of Regency-era sophistication, your ballgown is on point, and you’ve shelled out hundreds (or even $1,000) for a magical night. But instead of elegant waltzes and scandalous whispers, you’re sitting on the floor, surrounded by vendors selling Kit Kats and watching a stripper perform as the evening’s entertainment. Yes, you read that right — Kit Kats and strippers.
Welcome to the Detroit Bridgerton themed ball, where disappointment was the real diamond of the season.
What was supposed to happen at the Detroit Bridgerton Themed Ball?
babe wake up new Wonka Experience just dropped but it’s a Bridgerton Ball https://t.co/Sk3gKCFfhO
— Danielle Vermeer (@DLVermeer) September 25, 2024
So, the event was hyped as the perfect opportunity for Bridgerton fans to immerse themselves in the world of ballgowns, classical music, and all the romantic drama they could dream of. It was not an official Netflix event (because we all know Netflix knows how to throw a party), but rather a knock-off version that, in theory, should’ve still delivered. Tickets were priced anywhere from $150 to $1,000, with promises of a fancy dinner, live classical music, a diamond of the season competition, and enough “sophistication” to make you feel like you were sipping tea with the Queen (Charlotte, of course).
But, surprise surprise, none of that actually happened. “It was complete chaos today,” one woman told local ABC affiliate WXYZ. “They never even scanned our tickets.”
Do you remember that whole Willy Wonka experience in Glasgow? Well, I’d say this Bridgerton event gave that one a run for its money.
What *actually* happened at the Detroit Bridgerton Ball?
@mysterwhitfield Work can feel my frustration right now! I STILL FEEL LIKE I HAVE MORE TO SAY!! Detroit drop y’all pictures and experiences, I wanna compare notes ASAP!! Where is Lady Whistlediwn when you need her!!! #bridgerton #bridgertonballdetroit #bridgertonball #uncleandmellc #blacktiktok #detroit ♬ original sound – Myster Whitfield
Instead of sipping champagne and pretending to be the next Duchess of Hastings, attendees were welcomed into what was basically the high school gym of Bridgerton events. The decor? Sparse would be an understatement. The vibe? About as regal as a church basement fundraiser. Oh, and remember that grand dinner they advertised? According to the victims — I mean, guests — there was barely any food, no seating, and a whole lot of confusion. People were just wandering around, looking for the elegance they’d been promised, only to find… local vendors trying to sell them stuff like they were at a sad flea market.
People on Reddit were furious (rightfully so) and even called it “horrendous.”
To make matters worse (yes, it gets worse), the event organizers had promised all sorts of prizes, including the coveted title of “Diamond of the Season.” You know, the one thing that really makes Bridgerton fans lose their minds. Spoiler alert: that didn’t happen either.
We all love a good mystery, but guests were essentially left to play Sherlock Holmes, trying to figure out what was going on while surrounded by people sitting on the floor in their finest Regency-inspired outfits.
And now for the pièce de résistance: instead of live classical music and a full-on Regency drama, guests were treated to a surprise stripper performance. Look, we’re all for a good plot twist, but no one signed up for a lap dance at the Bridgerton Ball. Safe to say, it didn’t exactly scream high society.
To absolutely no one’s surprise, the event organizers (a company called Uncle N Me LLC) issued a half-baked apology, saying they were sorry that “not everyone had the experience they hoped for” and that they were working to “make this right.” I’m sure that’s comforting to the people who spent $1,000 for the worst evening of their lives. It’s giving Fyre Festival 2.0.
Let’s just say, if you’re still holding out for your Bridgerton moment, maybe stick to the official Netflix events — at least you won’t have to fight over floor space or ask, “Wait, why is there a stripper at this ball?”
