founder has pleaded not guilty to charges wire fraud and making false statements to a bank.

McFarland was on two counts wire fraud and two counts making false statements to a bank after he reportedly defrauded investors in Fyre Media. McFarland allegedly presented fake documents to convince investors to contribute more than $3 million to his company and the Bahamian festival.

In addition to the criminal charges, a number civil lawsuits have been filed against McFarland and the festival’s other co-founder, , who has not been criminally charged.

Attendees the late April festival paid thousands dollars for the luxury event and were promised the “unparalleled best in music, cuisine, design and hospitality on a private island in the Exumas.” When they arrived, however, they were .

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