Olivia Rodrigo’s charity festival is facing criticism over its treatment of vendors. Two food vendors accused festival organizers of poor planning, difficult working conditions, and financial losses.
Olivia Rodrigo’s charity festival faces criticism over vendor treatment
The all-female festival, where Garbage, Doechii, Chappell Roan, Bikini Kill, Mitski, and Rodrigo herself performed, is facing criticism from two food vendors who worked at the event. The vendors accused organizers of harsh working conditions, poor communication, and unpaid bills. The inaugural edition of the festival was held at Great Park in Irvine, California, on August 29.
Food vendor Ugly Oats Kitchen owner Mary Chacon took to Instagram to share her experience. Chacon wrote an open letter to Olivia Rodrigo, saying that signing a contract with DLS Events was a financial risk for the small bakery. She added, “We were told by DLS Events that we would be fined if we ran out of food.” So, they made thousands of cookies and shut down their bakery for regular customers.
Chacon also referenced the festival’s reported $20 million fundraising total. She added, “A couple of weeks into the process, we got the contract which explained that, in addition to about $1400 in fees, we would be forfeiting 35% of our sales to DLS. After seeing our sales, the event cost us several thousand dollars.”
Chacon said they did not receive some of the necessary information until a few hours before the main event. She described it as “the most miserable day” for the staff.
Her post prompted another vendor, Por Suerte Cookies, to share its experience. The company said it was a “financial loss” for the business and that they “barely sold anything.” It also said it was “still waiting to be paid. After everything we spent to participate, we have still not received what we are owed for the event” (Via Paste Magazine).
Rodrigo founded the festival, and C3 Presents produced it. Net proceeds benefit organizations that support women and girls.
While vendors have shared their experiences publicly, there was no official statement from Rodrigo, Daisy Chain Fields, or DLS Events in the supplied material addressing the allegations.
