Raye Fans Denied Entry to Bercy Concert Due to Fake Tickets
Numerous fans of British singer Raye experienced disappointment at her concert on Sunday in Bercy, Paris. They were denied entry due to counterfeit tickets sold through the Ticketmaster platform. Among the affected were Makzym and Mathis, who had purchased their tickets for €88 each during a fan-club presale.
Issues with Ticket Purchases
Makzym recalled that the tickets were acquired in September through a promotion linked to a vinyl purchase, which provided them access to the exclusive sale. Despite receiving confirmation emails and valid tickets from Ticketmaster, they faced a shocking reality at the entrance. The scanner informed them that their tickets were invalid.
- Makzym and Mathis’s ticket purchase method involved:
- Securing presale tickets by purchasing a vinyl.
- Receiving official confirmation from Ticketmaster.
The couple, alongside others, waited in confusion, only to learn they were among several dozen fans with defective tickets. A critical issue arose during a mere five-second window, where tickets issued were linked to already occupied seats, leading to an influx of “ghost tickets.”
Impact on Fans
This issue left many fans disappointed outside the Accor Arena, which has a capacity of over 20,000 seats. As the concert commenced, they were informed they wouldn’t be able to attend. After waiting for 90 minutes in rain and cold, they received a handwritten note stating their lack of entry rights.
- Number of fans affected: approximately 60.
- Event location: Accor Arena, Bercy, Paris.
- Ticket prices: Averaging around €88 – €100 each.
Chloé, another fan who purchased a “golden square” ticket, shared her experience of receiving a fraudulent ticket as well. Like many others, she had followed the correct purchasing steps to gain access to the presale but found herself locked out of the concert.
Ticketmaster’s Response
Ticketmaster acknowledged the situation, stating that a small number of ticket purchases had been unintentionally affected by a technical issue. They apologized for the inconveniences caused, confirming that all impacted customers received full refunds and a gift card.
However, when questioned about reimbursement for associated concert costs, such as travel or accommodation, Ticketmaster did not provide a specific response. Fans expressed frustration at the challenges posed by the ticketing system, which seemingly failed them during this major event.
Wider Implications
This incident raises concerns regarding Ticketmaster’s reliability, prompting questions about their operational practices. This isn’t the first criticism faced by the platform, especially after the chaotic ticket sales for the British band Oasis in 2024, prompting government scrutiny over their pricing practices.
Moreover, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the United States is currently investigating Ticketmaster and owner Live Nation for allegedly allowing illicit resale tactics, leading to hidden costs that affect consumers negatively.
