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Burning Man Co-founder Criticizes Festival’s Evolution
Days before the annual Burning Man festival ignited in the Black Rock Desert near Reno, Nevada, co-founder John Law voiced harsh criticism of the event’s trajectory. The festival, which began as a small gathering on San Francisco’s Baker Beach in 1986, is now in its 39th year. While known for its unique art installations and counter-culture ethos, Law expressed deep dissatisfaction with its current state.
In a recent interview, Law bluntly stated that Burning Man is “a giant party for rich white people,” and “the least interesting thing I’ve been involved with.” He criticized the perceived commercialization, saying, “They’re selling the idea of freedom, and it’s not free.” He attributed this shift to the arrival of “star f–kers,” likening the event’s exclusivity to “some hunting lodge in Minnesota.”
Law also took issue with the legacy of fellow co-founder Larry Harvey, who died in 2018. He accused Harvey of falsely claiming sole credit for the festival’s “10 Principles,” which are prominently displayed on the Burning Man website.
Law argued that the creation of the principles was a collaborative effort, not solely Harvey’s work. He compared Harvey’s self-aggrandizement to a “biblical corollary,” referring to him as “delusionally characterizing himself as Moses.”
Despite his scathing critique of the festival and Harvey, Law offered praise for current CEO Marian Goodell. He commended her business acumen and public relations skills, acknowledging her role in bringing professionalism to an event previously run by “a bunch of dysfunctional stupid guys who didn’t know what they were doing.”