Scams, Money & Murder: INTERVIEW: Fyre Fest with Seth Krosno

Episode Release Date: July 10, 2025
Host: Nicole Lapin (Vanessa Richardson)
Guest: Seth Krosno

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Scams, Money & Murder, hosted by Nicole Lapin of Crime House Studios, the spotlight shines on the infamous Fyre Festival through the firsthand experience of guest Seth Krosno. Seth’s unique perspective as an attendee who participated not as himself but as a satirical influencer offers listeners an insider’s view of the disaster that unfolded at what was promised to be the ultimate luxury music festival.

Seth’s Unique Approach to Fyre Festival (03:14)

Seth Krosno recounts how he decided to attend Fyre Festival under the guise of his internet persona, portraying a trust fund kid aspiring to be an influencer. This approach was meant to be a comedic take but inadvertently thrust him into the heart of one of the most notorious festival failures.

Seth Krosno: "I was sort of making fun of all of that kind of stuff. And then I was like, I need to, like, widen my audience a little if I'm actually going to make a living... So I was like, I'll be an influencer."

Initial Red Flags and Arrival (06:13)

Despite noticing early warning signs—such as vague promises about amenities and disorganized communication—Seth and his friends proceeded to Great Exuma, expecting minor growing pains typical of a first-time festival. However, upon arrival, the reality starkly contrasted the lavish promises.

Seth Krosno: "There was just somebody with like a little, I don't know, maybe 15 passenger van... And then you, you get to the site and you start seeing those tents... This isn't really ready."

Descent into Chaos (09:53)

As the festival failed to materialize as advertised, chaos ensued. Seth describes the lack of organization, absence of clear communication from the organizers, and the increasing desperation among attendees.

Seth Krosno: "There was no walking across the street here. There was no getting into Uber. And that was like kind of the scariest thing."

Escape Attempt and Legal Battle (15:14)

Amidst the turmoil, Seth and his friend Chris managed to secure a spot on a departing flight, marking their escape from the fragmented event. This experience propelled Seth into a legal battle against Billy McFarland, the festival’s creator.

Seth Krosno: "We were able to file our own suit... And that's why we went that route because a big class action lawsuit was gonna take five years and you'd get 17."

Ultimately, Seth and his co-plaintiff secured a $5 million judgment against McFarland. However, collecting this judgment remains an ongoing struggle, as McFarland's assets are currently tied up with substantial government judgments.

Seth Krosno: "We’re in the process of dealing with that. So we're in line behind them."

Broader Impact and Overlooked Consequences (22:02)

Seth emphasizes that while the media focused on the high-profile influencers scammed by the festival, the broader narrative omitted the plight of unpaid Bahamian workers and local businesses who suffered significant financial losses.

Seth Krosno: "Many workers didn't get paid to work on this festival... There was a $100,000 order of t-shirts... they didn't pay the bill."

Ongoing Reflections and Lessons Learned (32:17)

Reflecting on the Fyre Festival saga, Seth shares his realization about the deceptive nature of business operations and the ease with which scams can proliferate in today’s digital age.

Seth Krosno: "Everybody is just making it up as they go along... If you keep trying, you can do good stuff. You can also do bad stuff."

He underscores the thin line between ambition and deceit, highlighting the necessity for transparency and accountability to prevent such disasters.

Fyre Festival 2 and Continued Caution (28:40)

Years after the initial fiasco, Billy McFarland announced Fyre Festival 2, which sold out tickets, reigniting concern among those familiar with the original event. Seth expresses skepticism about the likelihood of a successful second attempt but acknowledges the persistent allure of the festival’s brand.

Seth Krosno: "What's the end game with this whole, like, Fire stuff? Because it's like, is Billy ever gonna give this up?"

Conclusion

Seth Krosno's harrowing yet insightful account of his experience at Fyre Festival serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of unchecked ambition and the importance of due diligence. His journey from a satirical influencer to a legal victor against a major scam highlights the multifaceted impact of financial fraud, affecting not just consumers but also local economies and individual livelihoods.

Seth’s continued advocacy and the ongoing legal processes underscore the enduring quest for justice and restitution for all those affected by the Fyre Festival debacle.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• [03:14] Seth Krosno: "I'll be an influencer."
• [06:13] Seth Krosno: "This isn't really ready."
• [09:53] Seth Krosno: "There was no walking across the street here."
• [15:14] Seth Krosno: "We were able to file our own suit..."
• [22:02] Seth Krosno: "Many workers didn't get paid..."
• [32:17] Seth Krosno: "Everybody is just making it up as they go along..."
• [28:40] Seth Krosno: "What's the end game with this whole, like, Fire stuff?"

This episode not only revisits the infamous Fyre Festival but also delves into the broader implications of financial scams and their ripple effects across communities and individuals. Seth Krosno’s testimony sheds light on the unseen victims beyond the headline-grabbing influencers, offering a more comprehensive understanding of the true cost of such fraudulent endeavors.