The people running Torchsong have given this official statement to hopefully clear up some things:
"Space Debris and Chez Lee Productions, promoters of Torchsong Chicago, are as disappointed as our attendees that both John Barrowman and Kai Owen are unable to attend this event. Although he cannot physically be present, John is working with us to make sure that the weekend is still an enjoyable one.
Present plans include:
-Peter Wingfield, of Highlander and Holby City fame, attending as a replacement guest
-John to still participate in interactive Q & As via SkyChat over the weekend
We're still sussing out a few other details but the event is still happening and we hope people will come and have a good time.
Sincerely,
MaryLee Holzheimer, Chez Lee Productions
Jonathan Harris, Space Debris"
No word about potential refunds or future events, but I would guess that is an individual matter between attendees and the convention staff. According to the website, the chance for refunds ended on March 30th, but perhaps some exceptions will be made due to the sudden, disappointing turn of events. Unfortunately, running a convention means putting a fair amount of money and risk onto the table and because of that, even a partial refund could be impossible. Regardless, hopefully everyone who goes to the event will still have a fantastic time. I have my fingers crossed for all of you.
Thanks to Space Debris and Chez Lee Productions for this information.
11 comments:
Unfortunately for those of us who shelled out the 500 bucks, it will not be a fantastic weekend. I would not be attending if I could get some of my money back, but with flights and accomodations, that would be near impossible at this late date.
I can't even begin to imagine how they are going to make this right.
Despite the unfortunante turn of events, my only concern is that John heals to the fullest. He is trying everything he can to salvage. He is a human being and can only do so much. I'm sure he's very sorry and very disappointed.
Get well soon, John.
I second what the other commenter stated. I do understand that it is a lot of money, especially in this economy. And if I were attending, I too would be heartbroken to hear that this had happened. John is human, just like the rest of us. He did not do it on purpose and he is trying his best to do what he can for everyone. I am sure Gareth, Tom, and Peter will do everything they can for everyone.
I have been in the same situation, having been one of the people who were supposed to go to a Firefly convention that got cancelled at the last minute. It wasn't what I had been originally hoping for, but everyone rallied together and we all had fun regardless of a bad situation.
Hi Torchwood Tv. I've been visiting this site for quite a while now and I think I should tell you that the covers for the new Torchwood Children of Earth DVD and Bluray releases are on my site:
www.thegallifreyvortex.blogspot.com
There is one fundamental difference here, this was billed as a weekend with John Barrowman, not a convention he was one of the guests. We ALL wish John a speedy recovery and feel badly for him but for the organizaers to say, sorry no refunds we have expenses to cover is just not right. There is event insurance for promoters for this sort of situation and they should have had it. NO ONE complained when Kai had to cancel, again we felt badly for him but we understood. It was not HIS event. He was merely one of the additional guests. It's a bad situation for everyone and I'm not sure there are going to be any winners.
What an absolute joke! $500 for a dodgy video link instead of a live concert and meet and greet?
John Barrowman is hurt, I get that. Unforseeable things happen, but the behaviour of the organiser (let's just call her a Con Artist!) is disgraceful. Obviously this half arsed set up never heard of insurance. Her attitude is "I have your money. Tough shit."
Could you imagine if John had hurt himself before his recent UK gigs and fans were told they'd have to settle for a shoddy video link instead?
Bring on the lawyers.
Consumer fraud indeed.
Since I won't join the event due to the situation, I will file a dispute with my credit card and they will do it for me.
In addition to that, I will file a formal complaint to the Florida's Consumer Complaints, including Attorney General in Florida where the company is registered. I will research as well about the Chez Lee production registration.
COmplaints can be made to the Florida Better Business Bureau at 561-842-1918 or 561-842-9278.
Additionally, complains can be filed wih the Federal Trade Commission - Bureau of Consumer Protection at 1-877-382-4357 or on theit website FTC.GOV where it lists what constitutes consumer fraud.... so far, the promoters have managed to hit two items on the Consumer Fraud list.
In December I went to John's pantomime Robin Hood in Birmingham UK. I travelled thousands of miles when it came out he had laryngitis. Against doctors orders and wishes, he went ahead to do the whole pantomime run, putting his voice in danger so he wouldn't disappoint people. So the message is, if he COULD do it, he WOULD do it.
As far as suing the company, good luck. After court costs, you'll be lucky to see any of your money.
I was unhappy to hear about the situation but was very impressed at the way both John's friends and the organizers worked to turn the situation around and continue on with the show. They could have pulled a Fed Con and just announced on Friday afternoon that it was completely canceled and left folks to twist in the wind. Clearly, John took the situation very seriously. I get the point about insurance but I have yet to go to a con where if an actor couldn't come, any money was refunded. True, this one was built principally around him but it is still a convention and there were other actors coming. I say kudos to those who tried to salvage the weekend. I did actually quite enjoy myself and will go again to the next one should they choose to have it in the US.
"Consumer fraud"? Are you kidding me? Some of you really need to get over yourselves. You act as though this is a personal insult. The man is only human, he gets injured just like everybody else, and the fact that he insisted on still being involved in the event in any shape or form demonstrates that he'd hate for his fans to be disappointed. Events such as these are very expensive to organize, so be thankful that the organizers didn't cancel at the last minute and tried their best to carry on despite the star attraction's physical presence.
Don't whine and cry consumer fraud just because you didn't get the chance to go all fangirly and scream OMG I LOVE YOU!!1 in the man's face.
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