ALBANY, N.Y. _ New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Tuesday he was "appalled" by videos of a Hamptons concert where crowds blatantly ignored coronavirus precautions.
The state Department of Health will investigate the "drive-in" concert that featured the EDM duo the Chainsmokers after viral videos showed hundreds of people partying side-by-side in front of the stage, the governor said during a conference call with reporters.
"The concert in Southampton was just a gross violation of not only the public health rules, it was a gross violation of common sense," Cuomo said. "It was grossly disrespectful to fellow New Yorkers."
Organizers could face civil fines or potentially be held criminally liable, he added.
On Monday, Cuomo shared a video from the event and fumed over the lack of enforcement.
"Videos from a concert held in Southampton on Saturday show egregious social distancing violations. I am appalled," the governor tweeted. "The Department of Health will conduct an investigation."
The show, billed as a charity fundraiser called "Safe & Sound," took place at an outdoor sculpture park in Water Mill, a small hamlet near Southampton. In addition to the Chainsmokers, the bill included a DJ set by Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon as well as Southampton's Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman's band.
There were an estimated 2,000 people in attendance at the event. While the state has capped gatherings at 50 people, drive-ins are allowed as long as social distancing is maintained, no concessions are sold and people stay near their cars.
Tickets for the Hamptons charity event cost between $850 and $25,000, and all proceeds went to local charities including No Kid Hungry, Children's Medical Fund of NY and Southampton Fresh Air Home, according to organizers.
