DISCOVERY BAY, St Ann —A search is now underway for the five men accused of assaulting two teenagers at a Best Weekend Ever event over the weekend remain at large, as organizers have issued a statement condemning the violence that erupted during an altercation at the Zimi Seh beach party in Discovery Bay on Sunday, August 9.
Videos circulating on social media show scenes of confusion at the event as several people became involved in a confrontation while hundreds of revellers were gathered at the venue. Music continued playing as patrons surrounded the area, and at least one woman could be seen attempting to intervene.
It is alleged that five adult men assaulted two teenagers during the confrontation.
A roughly four-minute video circulating online appears to show several men being doused with water before one of the younger males approaches and places his hand on the chest of another man, seemingly in an attempt to calm the situation.
Moments later, the confrontation escalates into a physical altercation involving multiple people.
The two younger males who reportedly are related to the prominent Handal family, sustained injuries during the incident. The nature and severity of their injuries were not immediately clear but the young men were later seen with bandages around their heads and images of blood drenched t-shirts.
The annual Zimi Seh Beach party attracted hundreds of patrons as part of Jamaica’s Independence weekend celebrations.
Best Weekend Ever Responds
In a statement following the circulation of the videos, Best Weekend Ever said it was aware of the incident and strongly condemned violence.
“Best Weekend Ever is aware of the videos circulating on social media following altercations involving patrons at our beach event on August 9,” the organizers said.
“We strongly condemn violence of any kind. The safety and security of our patrons remain our highest priority and this isolated incident for the weekend does not reflect the culture or experience Best Weekend Ever has built over the past 5 years.”
The organizers said the family of those affected had been contacted and that the individuals involved in the incident had been identified.
“Our team is cooperating with the relevant authorities and additional security measures have been implemented for our final event today,” the statement continued.
Best Weekend Ever did not provide further details about the identities of those involved or whether any arrests or charges had resulted from the incident.
