At this year’s Stagecoach Music Festival, a seemingly divisive signage at an afterparty co-hosted by online retailer Revolve and streetwear brand Pizzaslime led to a viral moment and widespread debate over the role of social media influence in public events. TikTok influencer Rhegan Coursey captured and shared the incident, which featured two separate entry signs at the Stagecoach after-party venue — one directing those with over 1 million followers and another for those with fewer, causing her to leave the event in dismay.
In a Stagecoach festival news, Coursey’s TikTok video, which rapidly amassed nearly 20 million views, displayed the signs stating “Over 1 million+ followers enter here” and “Under 1 million followers enter here,” both featuring arrows pointing in opposite directions. Her reaction, “That’s so weird to me… we’re not celebs,” resonated with many of her followers and other social media users who criticized the apparent exclusivity based on follower count.
@rhegancoursey see y’all in 20 minutes for the grwm for bed 😚😚🤘🏼
The backlash was swift on social media, with comments ranging from calling the move “icky” to comparisons with dystopian scenarios like “Black Mirror.” Influencers like Abbie Herbert, with over 15 million followers, expressed disbelief, questioning the authenticity of the signs.
However, the situation took a turn when some users pointed out Pizzaslime’s reputation for satirical stunts, suggesting the signs were meant as a joke. Pizzaslime, known for its humorous and often irreverent take on pop culture, later commented on the incident, explaining that both entry points led to the same experience and were intended as a light-hearted joke. This comment, however, was later deleted.
Despite Pizzaslime’s clarification, Coursey remarked in a follow-up video that while the signs were satirical, the differential treatment of influencers based on their social media clout remains a real issue at many events. This sentiment reflects a broader concern about the intersection of social status and digital influence at public gatherings like Stagecoach 2024.
The incident at Stagecoach is not an isolated one for Revolve, which has previously faced criticism for how it manages influencer-centric events, including logistical issues at its 2022 Revolve Festival and Revolve after-party during Coachella. These ongoing controversies highlight the evolving challenges and dynamics within the influencer culture, especially as it intersects with public and commercial events.
