2 weeks ago
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Popular Australian DJ group Flight Facilities received backlash online over the weekend after they shared a video of fans high on drugs at their concert.
The Sydney-based music duo, founded by Hugo Gruzman and James Lyell in 2009, were accused of 'preying on people's vulnerability'.
In a now deleted video, Flight Facilities shared a viral clip of two fans in the crowd 'gurning'—involuntary facial expressions people make under the influence of MDMA.
Followers slammed the electronic musicians for 'disrespecting' the concert-goers by sharing their experience—and faces—on drugs with millions of online viewers.
One TikTok user, AnneArchery, made her own video criticising Flight Facilities for the shocking move, saying she was 'disgusted' they would do such a thing.
'I was shook. I was actually disgusted that artists are using the safe space of a rave which they go on about, you know, rave culture, PLUR [Peace Love Unity Respect], everyone having a good time, everyone respecting each other, but then not respecting people in the crowd,' she fumed.
Popular Australian DJ group Flight Facilities received backlash online over the weekend after they shared a video of fans high on drugs at their concert. Pictured: Sydney-based founders Hugo Gruzman and James Lyell
'The level of disrespect that you would have to have for your fanbase to do that. Maybe the people in the crowd don't care. But now it's like, would I go to a Flight Facilities event? Probably not. And if I did go I definitely wouldn't be having a good time because I would be f***ing wigging out the whole time.'
Anne went on to say that while she doesn't condone the use of drugs, it isn't anyone else's business if someone decides to take them, adding that Flight Facilities was 'preying on people's vulnerability' for the sake of online views.
'Like you know exactly what the environment is, you're aware of the culture, it's been this culture for decades. So nobody can come out now and be like, "Oh they should take responsibility for doing what they do,"' she continued.
'I don't think anybody goes out about their day or about an event, anything they're doing in their life, with the idea of somebody is going to be zooming in on my face without me being aware and then posting it up for millions of people to laugh at me. Nobody's going about their day like that and they shouldn't have to.'
Flight Facilities deleted the video following the backlash, but have a similar video from September still pinned to their TikTok page.
The footage shows a young man at one of their shows wearing an ushanka hat as he leaned over a railing lost in a trance.
It seems fans of the music group aren't the only one slamming founders Hugo and James, with some industry professionals sharing their own statements on the matter recently.
Save Our Scene UK live music advocate George Fleming told The News Movement that 'using someone's vulnerability for viral content is deeply unethical, irresponsible, and potentially very harmful'.
They were accused of 'preying on people's vulnerability' after they shared now deleted footage of fans 'gurning' in the crowd. Pictured: a similar video taken back in September which is still on the Flight Facilities TikTok page
Flight Facilities were founded by Australian electronic music duo Hugo and James—who also perform under Hugo & Jimmy. They shot to fame in 2014 with their debut album Down to Earth
Night Time Industries Association CEO Michael Lill agreed, adding that dance raves are meant to be 'spaces for freedom and self-expression' and 'non-consensual filming can undermine that'.
Daily Mail Australia has reached out to representatives of Flight Facilities for comment.
Flight Facilities were founded by Australian electronic music duo Hugo and James—who also perform under Hugo & Jimmy.
They shot to fame in 2014 with their debut album Down to Earth which features names such as Kylie Minogue, Emma Louise, Reggie Watts and Bishop Nehru.
English (US) ·