The return of the infamous Fyre Festival has sparked concern due to the lack of permits requested by the organizers from the Mexican island’s government, where the event is scheduled to be held this year.
Billy McFarland, the mastermind behind the failed Fyre Festival in 2017 that defrauded attendees of large sums of money, served approximately four out of the six years of his prison sentence for financial crimes, which ended in 2022.
“Many might question my sanity for embarking on this venture once more,” McFarland remarked on Monday. “However, not pursuing it would seem illogical to me. After extensive contemplation and meticulous preparation, my new team and I have exciting plans in store for FYRE 2.”
The three-day music and arts event is scheduled to take place on Isla Mujeres, Mexico, between May 30 and June 2, but the government of Isla Mujeres doesn’t seem so sure.
“Second, we have incredible partners leading the festival. They’re in charge of all the logistics, productions and operations. This includes an incredible production team in Mexico who does not F around. There is no way they would ever take on a fake festival. Three, we have accommodations. Naturally, this is a huge point of emphasis given the issues surrounding Fyre 1. Our accommodations include contracts with a number of villas, yachts and hotels,” McFarland said in the video.
He went on to explain that Fyre Fest 2 has booked “artists, athletes and performers” and promises that “restitution is being paid.”
“Since being released 30 months ago, I’ve made 40 payments to restitution,” McFarland said. “I’ve also made it my mission to do more than legally required. Part of this is giving part of Fyre 2’s budget and profits directly to restitution.”
He added that he and his partners have been communicating with “local and state government to ensure full compliance and a successful event that benefits the local economy, shares the beauty of the Mexican Caribbean with the world and helps make right for all of the wrongs.”
Attendees can expect future updates about the festival to come directly from McFarland himself, he said.
