The Hamptons Promoters apologise
Spira Tlhankane | Thursday February 25, 2016 16:31
The statement was aimed at Hamptons fans (Hamptonettes) who were inquiring about the designated fee paid for bringing in cooler boxes into the festival.
“Guys we are at the venue sorting out important things like cocktails bars, stage etc, this event is not about alcohol guys. If you can’t afford to pay P50 for the cooler box, please don’t bring one and buy alcohol inside.”
“If it’s too much, please bring our tickets back bathong. Other people are waiting for them. Info on cooler boxes was put out ages ago, so stop asking questions like it’s your first time to go to the Hamptons.
Real Hamptons know the real drill, learn and listen from the Hamptons seniors. They don’t stress over simple things. Re ka lapa,” the Facebook post read.
The post received a lot of criticism and a lot of people immediately threatened to return their tickets and demand refund. Most people expressed their intention to boycott the festival due to lack of respect from the organisers of the annual event.
One Hamptonettes expressed his disappointment over the imprudent post. “Why so much arrogance when you need to do that with our money??? Batswana gase dimatla. We will boycott this even next time and don’t blame us,” he said.
Another fan commented that he did not need to attend the show. “We got so many choices of events we can choose to go to whenever we want some entertainment,” he fumed. “I’m returning their ticket and boycotting the show. Next time they will be no Hamptons, I tell you. Typical of rich people after they achieve their objectives.”
In wake of a furious backlash from fans, Hamptons CEO Debbie Smith published an apology statement on the same page admitting their error: “Ladies and gents this is Debbie Smith.
Can I apologise on behalf of my moderators in regards to a RUDE response regarding cooler boxes. That was not called for and for that I sincerely apologise to anyone who was upset. I’m also sorry that I have not been in touch since Monday as logistics are taking over”.
But this comes a week after Smith bashed journalists during a press conference. She accused journalists of allegedly finishing all the food at the VIP lounge last year. Smith hasn’t officially apologised for her tirade. At press time, Showbiz could not reach Smith as her phone rang unanswered.