According to a Bloomberg article, the recent ApeFest event in Hong Kong, organized by Yuga Labs for the Bored Ape Yacht Club NFT collection, has sparked concerns about the well-being of attendees due to multiple reports of eye problems. The event featured bright lighting, which has been linked to the reported health issues.
Eye Problems Reported by Attendees
Several attendees took to social media to share their experiences of symptoms consistent with eye burns. Adrian Zdunczyk, a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency community, revealed that he was diagnosed with photokeratitis, a condition caused by exposure to UV light, after attending the event.
Yuga Labs’ Response
In response to these reports, a spokesperson for Yuga Labs informed Bloomberg that the individuals who had raised concerns represented less than 1% of the total attendees. This statement aimed to provide perspective on the scale of the complaints in relation to the overall event attendance.
Implications for the NFT Market
This incident occurs at a time when the NFT market is experiencing a general decline from its peak during the pandemic. Additionally, the sector is grappling with internal debates regarding royalty payments, adding to the complexity of the current landscape.
The incident at ApeFest underscores the importance of prioritizing safety considerations in event planning, particularly as in-person gatherings become more common. Companies such as Yuga Labs are faced with the challenge of creating engaging experiences while ensuring the well-being of their communities.
