The Chainsmokers Under Fire

The Chainsmokers are under fire for performing at a packed charity concert in the Hamptons over the weekend as coronavirus cases continue to surge in the U.S.

The duo, Alex Pall and Drew Taggart, performed for thousands of people in Water Mill, New York, during a fundraiser event Saturday that was billed as a “Safe & Sound” gathering that “follows all social distancing guidelines,” according to the event website.

Event organizers sold tickets for 600 vehicles and accompanying guests to enjoy the “tailgate experience” safely from the confines of a designated 20-foot area. “Guests may not leave there (sic)… area for GA unless using a restroom (mask required),” the website added.

However, a video from the group’s manager, Adam Alpert, that has circulated online showed a massive crowd of people gathered in front of the stage within six feet of one another, despite the event claiming to “meet all local health and safety standards, as well as state regulations.”

The group was labeled “straight up irresponsible” by some fans. On Monday, New York Health Commissioner Howard Zucker said he was “greatly disturbed” by the event and announced the New York State Department of Health is opening an investigation.

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“I am at a loss as to how the Town of Southampton could have issued a permit for such an event, how they believed it was legal and not an obvious public health threat,” Zucker wrote to Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman in a letter obtained by USA Today. The state of New York has banned gatherings of 50-plus people since it was the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak a few months ago.

Ticket packages ranged from $850 to an uber-VIP option for $25,000 that accommodated RVs.

All funds raised from the “drive-in” were donated to No Kid Hungry and Southampton Fresh Air Home and Children’s Medical Fund of New York, the statement added.

Meanwhile, Drew Taggart and model Chantel Jeffries have confirmed their relationship. The two made their first official appearance as a couple at a Hamptons Magazine dinner on Saturday at The Barn at Nova’s Ark in Watermill, New York, just hours before The Chainsmokers’ controversial concert.

Chantel posted a photo of her and Drew kissing on her Instagram account. She simply captioned it with this emoji: “.”