Yahoo News Ja Rule defends himself after Fyre festival documentaries released by Hulu and Netflix
Rapper Ja Rule is struggling to defend himself after the release of two documentaries about the notorious Fyre Festival.
Hulu‘s Fyre Fraud and Netflx’s Fyre, both released in January, tell the story of the doomed “luxury” festival promoted by models and influencers, which descended into chaos after guests arrived to an unfinished site that lacked proper food, water or accommodation.
Ja Rule, who co-founded the festival with Billy McFarland, has been airing his frustrations at being blamed for his part in the festival.
“I love how ppl watch a doc and think they have all the answers,” he tweeted on 20 January.
Later he added: “I had an amazing vision to create a festival like NO OTHER!!! I would NEVER SCAM or FRAUD anyone what sense does that make???”
He also called out Netflix and Hulu for paying those involved in the festival to appear on camera. “Hulu PAID BILLY!!!” he said. “That money should have went to the ppl in the Bahamas. Netflix PAID Fuck Jerry who also did all the promo for the festival. The docs clearly have Billy at fault but let’s blame the rapper lmao OK.”
@Hulu PAID BILLY!!! That money should have went to the ppl in the Bahamas... @netflix PAID fuck Jerry who also did all the promo for the festival... 🤔 the docs clearly have Billy at fault but let’s blame the rapper lmao ok...
— Ja Rule (@Ruleyork)
The directors of the two documentaries have criticised each other for involving Elliot Tebele and McFarland. Tebele, an executive producer of Netflix’s documentary, is the creator of Jerry Media/Fuck Jerry – Fyre Festival’s social media agency. McFarland is interviewed in the Hulu documentary.
McFarland was sentenced to six years in prison last year for making false statements to investors and sharing fraudulent documents. He pleaded guilty earlier this year after entering an initial plea of not guilty. He also pleaded guilty to separate counts of wire fraud and money laundering, after being accused of selling fraudulent tickets to events including the Grammys, Coachella and the Met Gala.
Ja Rule is shown in both films co-directing the initial marketing campaign behind Fyre Festival. A recording made during the festival’s aftermath shows him telling Fyre employees: “That’s not fraud, that’s not fraud. False advertising, maybe.” Immediately after the festival, Ja Rule tweeted that it was “NOT A SCAM” and “NOT MY FAULT”.
