Yuga Labs Acknowledge Fault for Incident at ApeFest: UV Lamps Caused Visitors' Vision Damage

Over the past weekend in Hong Kong, many participants of the ApeFest event sought medical attention after experiencing sharp pain and burning sensations in their eyes. This incident, initially shrouded in secrecy, has become widely discussed following Yuga Labs' acknowledgment of responsibility and the company's official statement.

The organizers of ApeFest, Yuga Labs, confirmed that the possible cause of vision problems were UV lamps installed in one of the corners of the event. These lamps, emitting ultraviolet light type A, proved to be harmful to the eyes and skin of the visitors. Many attendees suffered skin burns and corneal damage, leading to severe pain and discomfort.

Yuga Labs responded to the incident by initiating an internal investigation. They collaborated with the global branding agency Jack Morton Worldwide, which organized ApeFest 2023, to determine the circumstances of what had happened. The investigation included an analysis of inventory records, material journals, and specifications related to the exhibits and technical equipment used at the event.

The investigation's results unequivocally indicated that the UV lamps installed at ApeFest were the cause of the reported problems. This was a significant disappointment for both the organizers and the event's attendees.

Yuga Labs' official statement emphasized their acknowledgment of responsibility for the incident. They called on anyone experiencing symptoms or pain to seek medical help and contact the company. This action demonstrates the company's commitment to taking responsibility for what occurred and its readiness to assist those affected.

The incident at ApeFest also had an impact on the NFT market, particularly the NFT Bored Ape Yacht Club collection. The minimum cost of items in the collection decreased from 30 ETH to 28 ETH after the event, reflecting the general dissatisfaction and disappointment among participants.

Following Yuga Labs' official statement, the ApeFest community expressed their emotions. Representatives of the organization emphasized that ApeFest's goal was to bring people together in real life, and they were saddened that the incident had neutralized all the positive experiences of the participants.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and responsibility at mass events, and its resolution will be crucial for restoring trust in the ApeFest community and similar events in the future.