Swiftie convention goers claim they were duped by costly scheme
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Fans of Taylor Swift say they were scammed by a Metairie woman who promised a list of special events coinciding with the Eras Tour that either didn’t happen, or didn’t deliver.
Rebecca Fox had secured nearly 200 rooms at the Holiday Inn Downtown for concert goers, which prompted her to host the Friendship Bracelet Eras Tour Convention, taking place October 24-28. Fox and others referred to the hotel as the Holiday House.
The event’s website shows the all-access pass, which included tickets to most events, costs between $550-750.
In just one day, a Facebook group titled “Eras Tour New Orleans Un-Holiday House of Atrocity” has gained 3,000 members. Many members are sharing their experiences about how they believe they were misled by Fox.
NOLA’s giant friendship bracelet traded to friends in Indianapolis
In September, Fox told WGNO some of what guests could expect.
“Scavenger hunts, geocaching, a lunch, a brunch, a breakfast, a pool party, friendship bracelet-making parties,” Fox listed. “There’s just so many activities and events for the whole family and Swifties of all ages, and we’re so, so excited about it.”
Guests say Holiday House was not what was advertised.
“When we got here, it was just a lot of people moving around, which is great, Swifties, we overtake the whole city, but it’s just, everything was very unorganized,” explained Kathy Pinillo, who attended some of the events with her daughter.
Among the events was a second line to the Superdome.
“Well, apparently it turns out to be that you needed a ticket for that, so there were people who paid and people who didn’t,” Pinillo said. “No one ever asked if I paid for this.”
Fox publicly stated second line ticket costs would cover fees for the band, the permit and law enforcement officers. However, city records show Fox never obtained the permit and that she wouldn’t be charging attendees for admission.
As for the dance and pool parties, which cost some more than $100, there wasn’t a DJ following a lack of communication.
“We never actually got to agree on any sorts of payment terms, though, I did send an invoice, asking for a 50% deposit, which was never paid or responded to,” said Kendall Burke, also known as DJ Warm Advice.
Demolition underway at Gordon Plaza Neighborhood
Attendees are now demanding answers from Fox, saying she took advantage of Swift’s fans.
“It is just really shocking that it’s come to this point and that there is no accountability being taken,” said Burke.
Fox responded to WGNO via text message, saying, “My attorney is out of the country for two weeks. As badly as I want to be transparent and share some things that people don’t know, I have to heed his advice and wait to give an official statement until he returns.”
She also added that she was processing refunds, yet some remain wary.
WGNO also reached out to Holiday Inn but haven’t received a response.
Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.
Latest Posts
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO.