Is Social Media Following the New VIP Access? The Controversy Surrounding Revolve’s Stagecoach Festival Party Requirement

Festival Season Drama: Influencers React to Stagecoach Afterparty Follower Requirement

The festival season is in full swing. While Coachella has packed up for the year, country music fans flocked to the desert for the 2024 Stagecoach Music Festival. This year, Stagecoach’s buzz extended beyond the music, as influencers and brands played a prominent role.

One notable event was an afterparty co-hosted by online retailer Revolve and streetwear brand Pizzaslime in Indio, California. Controversy arose when influencers noticed signs at the venue directing those with over one million followers to one entrance and those with fewer to another. This sparked confusion and outrage among social media personalities and their followers.

TikTok star Rhegan Coursey, in a video with nearly 20 million views, expressed her dismay upon seeing the signs, stating, “I am leaving the afterparty because of this sign.” Her reaction highlighted the growing concerns about exclusivity in influencer culture. Many viewers echoed her sentiment, with comments like “That’s icky” and “Black Mirror vibes.”

Despite the backlash, some pointed out that Pizzaslime, known for its satirical take on pop culture, intended the signs as a joke. Pizzaslime later clarified on TikTok that both lines led to the same place, meant purely for humor. Nevertheless, Coursey emphasized that the treatment of influencers at events often varies based on their social media following.

This incident isn’t Revolve’s first controversy. In 2022, the retailer’s Revolve Festival at Coachella faced criticism for logistical issues, with influencers reporting transportation problems and inadequate accommodations.

The drama underscores the growing influence of social media stars at music festivals and raises questions about the culture of exclusivity that often accompanies these events.