New York lawmakers are investigating a Saturday, July 25th drive-in fundraiser concert in Southampton after video surfaced of attendees violating social distancing guidelines. Performing at the event, billed as Safe & Sound Hamptons, were The Chainsmokers and Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon under his alias, DJ D-Sol.
CNN reports that the event was advertised as complying with COVID-19 pandemic restrictions by requiring attendees to remain in their vehicles – 600 of which were allowed to enter. In video that circulated online after the weekend drew to a close, however, hundreds of revelers can be seen standing in huddles before the stage. At the time of writing, emergency restrictions in New York State forbid gatherings of more than 50.
View this post on Instagram
On Monday, New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker inquired about the event in a letter to Southampton Supervisor Jay Schneiderman. “I am at a loss as to how the Town of Southampton could have issued a permit for such an event, how they believed it was legal and not an obvious public health threat,” he wrote.
Governor Andrew Cuomo leveled criticism at Safe & Sound’s organizers via Twitter. “The Department of Health will conduct an investigation,” he wrote. “We have no tolerance for the illegal & reckless endangerment of public health.”
A spokesperson on behalf of David Solomon told CNN that he performed early and left before the end of the show. “The vast majority of the audience appeared to follow the rules, but he’s troubled that some violated them and put themselves and others at risk,” reads their statement.
Neither the Safe & Sound organizers nor The Chainsmokers have publicly commented responded to criticism of Saturday’s event at the time of writing.
Image credit: Dawid Labno
