Luke Newton, left, as Colin Bridgerton, Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington in episode 301 of Bridgerton are shown in this handout image provided by Netflix. (Netflix/The Canadian Press)
Fans of the popular Netflix series "Bridgerton" looked forward to an elegant evening in Detroit earlier this week, but many ended up feeling disappointed.
On Sunday night, hundreds attended a "Detroit Bridgerton-Themed Ball," organized by a company called Uncle N Me LLC. Tickets for the event ranged from $150 to $1,000, with promises of "sophistication, grace, and historical charm," along with music, dance, and stunning costumes.
However, guests at the Harmonie Club in downtown Detroit reported a very different experience. They described undercooked food, a lack of alcoholic beverages, and decorations that seemed cheap. Instead of the anticipated live performances, the entertainment featured a pole dancer.
One attendee, TikTok user Nita (@moreofnita), shared her disappointment after preparing extensively for the event. Upon arrival, she felt let down. "As I started to get up the stairs, I'm like, 'We're not watching the same Bridgerton,'" she said in her TikTok post. She noted that many attendees appeared bored, even sitting on the floor scrolling through their phones.
Nita's nine-minute video showcased the event's shortcomings, including a poorly maintained photo booth and a lone violinist who only played a handful of songs. Guests also claimed the food was served by a staff member in a sports jersey, and dirty plates were left uncleared, forcing attendees to clean up after themselves.
In her post, Nita expressed frustration, saying, "Uncle N Me: y'all really low-key scammed these people." She pointed out that many had flown in and spent significant money on travel, outfits, and accommodations only to feel cheated.
ABC Detroit affiliate WXYZ-TV arrived later in the night to speak with guests who echoed these complaints. One attendee, Amanda Sue Mathis, remarked, "They said we were going to have classical music, good dinner. There was going to be a play." She added that they were promised a "diamond" would be chosen, referencing a key element from the show. "We went in, and it was completely empty in there," Mathis noted.
Originally scheduled for August, the Bridgerton ball was postponed when the original venue, Beacon Park, canceled. A TikTok user who works at that venue claimed the cancellation was due to the event organizers not paying the full rental fee.
In a statement to WXYZ-TV, Uncle N Me LLC acknowledged that not all guests had the experience they expected, offering a sincere apology. They admitted that "organizational challenges affected the enjoyment of some guests" and took responsibility for the issues.
The Harmonie Club also released a statement to WXYZ-TV, clarifying that they were not affiliated with the event's promoters or organizers.
