The recent "Bridgerton"-inspired ball in Detroit promised timeless elegance, entertainment and an immersive experience fit for high society. Instead, attendees who paid $300 each were met with an underwhelming, disorganized event that left hundreds feeling scammed.

Thread about the Bridgerton Ball SCAM in Detroit that I (and hundreds of others) spent $300 on pic.twitter.com/EUgX482w8j

— Rachel Eaton @ Realta (@rayleearts) September 24, 2024

Rachel Eaton, one of the many who had bought a ticket, took to social media to discuss the debacle. Using photos from news reports, she posted a thread showing the event's lackluster execution — from minimal decor that looked straight out of a discount store, to a single violinist struggling to provide "live music" for the event.

"The live music advertised was this poor lone violin player," Eaton wrote, sharing a photo of the musician.

The “live music” advertised was this poor lone violin player 😭 pic.twitter.com/Yt6zEOrXxV

— Rachel Eaton @ Realta (@rayleearts) September 24, 2024

The ball, hosted by event management company Uncle & Me LLC, faced several issues even before the event started. Originally scheduled for August, it was postponed to September with no refunds offered to those unable to attend.

The event was originally planned for August. It was cancelled and rescheduled for September 22nd, and I ended up getting sick and couldn’t go. They did not provide refunds, nor did they respond to anyone’s email asking for one. At that point I knew I got scammed lol pic.twitter.com/JTso3EyO0S

— Rachel Eaton @ Realta (@rayleearts) September 24, 2024

Attendees on September 22 expected a lavish affair, but what they got was far from it. Guests, dressed to the nines in "Bridgerton"-inspired costumes, sat bored on their phones or stood around waiting for something to happen. Food reportedly ran out quickly, and in some cases, the dishes were served raw.

To add to the chaos, there was only one "dancer" — a lone pole dancer, far from what anyone expected for an event inspired by a Regency-era TV show.

Food apparently ran out after an hour, and some was raw. No one was there to pick up plates, so you had to deal with strangers’ leftovers yourself pic.twitter.com/VpbZqHZxwS

— Rachel Eaton @ Realta (@rayleearts) September 24, 2024

The “dancing” they had was ONE. STRIPPER. pic.twitter.com/lEyL6DbNgf

— Rachel Eaton @ Realta (@rayleearts) September 24, 2024

The event also had promised a prize for the best-dressed attendee, one of the night's highlights — but according to Eaton, that never happened, and neither did the selection of a "Diamond of the Season," another nod to the show that was advertised but not delivered.

As Eaton put it, "I really hope this ends in a lawsuit because I want my $300 back. I have medical bills to pay, and that could've gone toward something else."

Really hope this ends in a lawsuit because I want my $300 back 🥲 I have medical bills to pay and that could’ve gone toward something that wasn’t….this LMAO

Before y’all call me gullible, I know I am. Still not my fault! Don’t scam people!

— Rachel Eaton @ Realta (@rayleearts) September 24, 2024

Via rayleearts.