Billy McFarland denies Fyre Festival II is fake amid reports: “First, Fyre II is real”
Billy McFarland has rubbished reports claiming that Fyre Festival II isn’t going ahead and laid out evidence to suggest it is a genuine event.
Initially, the sequel festival was due to take place in late April but has now been announced as taking place from May 30th to June 2nd, 2025. McFarland recently told Today of his plans, “We’re going to have artists across electronic, hip-hop, pop, and rock.” The organiser added, “It’s not just music. We might have a professional skateboarder do a demonstration. We might have an MMA champion teach you techniques in the morning.”
The businessman, who was convicted and sentenced to six years in prison on counts of wire fraud in 2018, claimed during his appearance on Today that the change was due to logistical reasons and “to give our partners time to get everything ready”.
Following this interview, The Guardian spoke to Edgar Gasca from the tourism directorate of Isla Mujeres, where the festival is reportedly set to take place. Gasca claimed, “We have no knowledge of this event, nor contact with any person or company about it.” He added, “For us, this is an event that does not exist.”
Now, on Instagram, McFarland has hit back, stating in a new video, “First, Fyre II is real”. He went on to say: “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.”
McFarland also highlighted the issue surrounding accommodation as a key reason for the hold-up due to the issues that stemmed from the original Fyre Festival, which he wants to avoid repeating. “Three, we have accommodations. Naturally, this is a huge point of emphasis given the issues surrounding Fyre I. Our accommodations include contracts with a number of villas, yachts and hotels,” he said.
The Fyre Festival founder continued: “It also includes two hotels that were contacted by the media and in response gave misleading statements saying they’ve never heard of Fyre and they aren’t working with us. After hearing this, I asked my team to terminate those contracts and to focus on the hotels and other partners that are eager to work with and support Fyre.”
He also touched upon “talent” which included “artists, athletes and other performers” who have reportedly agreed to appear at the event.
McFarland added: “Five, restitution is being paid. Since being released 30 months ago, I’ve made 40 payments to restitution. I’ve also made it my mission to do more than (is) legally required. Part of this has been giving a large percentage of Fyre II’s budget and profits directly to restitution.”
The mogul then stated that he has “remained in communication 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 the wrongs.”
McFarland concluded by stating that all future communication regarding Fyre Festival will come directly from him and encouraged people to privately message him if “anybody wants to join us and help us make history and help show the truth and the vision of the intentions”.
Currently, no acts have been announced to appear at Fyre Festival II.
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