Deadmau5 tossing money into the crowd might look like generosity, but many are calling it performative flexing. At first glance, it paints a picture of an artist “giving back.” But when you factor in the multi-million-dollar net worth, his privileged background, and accusations of ghost production and PPP fund misuse, the act seems less like charity and more like a PR stunt.
The scene was Encore Beach Club in Vegas — a spot many assume caters to elites, but one that often lets in guests for free with a simple guest list text. While some attendees were thrilled at the opportunity to grab flying cash, others couldn’t help but question the optics: is this what we’ve come to celebrate in dance music?
With economic hardship hitting fans hard — many can barely afford rent, let alone a $100 show — seeing an artist literally throw money can feel tone-deaf. Especially when those same fans scrape together cash to attend. Whether it’s flex, fun, or fan appreciation, it sparked a bigger conversation: who’s the spectacle really for?
