Metairie woman who booked 191 hotel rooms has lawyer as Swifties suggest they were scammed

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – Some Swifties now have “bad blood” with a Metairie woman who booked 191 rooms at the Holiday Inn Downtown for Taylor Swift’s concert series last weekend.

When Swift announced her tour stop in New Orleans, Rebecca Fox of Metairie jumped to lock down hotel rooms. She says she charged a $25 deposit per person on top of the nearly $500 per room. Last week, Fox said the hotel agreed to her event, which she promoted on social media.

“They were extremely concerned, but I think once their marketing and sales person said, ‘I don’t think you all understand what Taylor can do and what Taylor will bring to our property,’ they changed their minds,” Fox said.

Fox said it did not charge for the cameras or profit from the bookings. She said the $25 per person she charged was to fund the planned “Eras Convention.” But when some Swifties arrived at the convention and other Fox-promoted events, they were surprised and disappointed.

“Everybody works hard for their money. And whenever someone is promised a product that they buy or an event, then they should be given what they paid for,” said Maegan Traynom, who came from Memphis for a concert.

Traynom said she traveled with her daughter. They did not stay at the Holiday Inn, but said they paid for several events hosted by Fox’s company, The Friendship Bracelet Project.

“The ballroom was completely empty and there were three vendors,” Traynom said. “I asked them if we were in the right place and they said, ‘We have no idea.’

A Louisiana woman booked 191 hotel rooms for Taylor Swift’s three-week concerts in New Orleans. (Source: WVUE)

Traynom said that despite the disappointments, her family still had fun in New Orleans.

Attendees said other Fox-promoted events, including a DJ dance party, didn’t live up to their billing. The DJ originally booked for the event said that despite multiple inquiries, Fox never confirmed the show.

“I think continuing to take people’s money, push sales of these events, knowing it’s not going to be what’s advertised… I listen to enough podcasts. Sounds like a scam to me,” said New Orleans DJ Warm Advice.

Fox said in a text message that it has retained an attorney and declined multiple requests for an interview. She texted that her lawyer was out of the country and wanted to wait before giving a statement. She posted on her Facebook page: “I know I failed. I admitted that I failed.”

Dozens of people are now demanding refunds from Fox and Holiday Inn.

When Fox 8 went to the hotel Thursday (Oct. 31), security turned away a reporter and declined to make anyone available for comment. IHG, Holiday Inn’s parent company, did not respond to inquiries.

Meanwhile, a Swift fan from Texas, who couldn’t attend last weekend but had friends staying at the hotel, said she was worried about Fox making people whole, but also for her mental health. to Fox.

“There’s an aspect of grace to be had and forgiveness,” said Julia Smith.

A spokeswoman for Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said her office had not received any complaints about the incident. AG reviews complaints regarding cancellation of reservations and rebooking of hotels at higher rates.

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