The disgraced promoter behind April's disastrous Fyre Festival, Billy McFarland, 25, pleaded not guilty to fraud charges in a Manhattan federal courtroom on Monday (Oct. 2) as part of the continued fall-out from the promised luxury event in the Bahamas that descended into chaos. According to Los Angeles Times, McFarland waived his right to be charged in an indictment returned by a grand jury, instead pleading not guilty to two charges of wire fraud and making false statements to a bank.
The event, promoted as an exclusive get-away on a private island populated by models, with catered food and sets from Blink-182, Migos, Desiigner and others, turned into a nightmare when attendees showed up on the island and found that McFarland's promises were a pipe dream, with no food, shelter or stages for the artists to perform on. McFarland was the subject of a flurry of lawsuits and was arrested on June 30 for illegally obtaining $1.2 million in investments based on false details about Fyre's revenue. If convicted, McFarland could face up to 20 years in prison; he is currently free on bail