Debunking the Myth: Was Lady Gaga's Concert Attendance Really 2.1 Million?

BBC Verify investigates the claim that 2.1 million fans attended Lady Gaga's concert in Rio, suggesting that the actual numbers are far lower and critiquing the city's unverified reports.

In May, millions of fans gathered for Lady Gaga's concert at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, a performance sponsored by the city to stimulate its economy. Official reports claimed an astonishing 2.1 million attendees, sparking excitement and speculation about the economic impact of the event, which was expected to generate over $100 million (£75 million) for the local area. However, this figure has come under scrutiny.

Following a reader's inquiry about the feasibility of such an enormous crowd, BBC Verify conducted a detailed analysis. Crowd density experts stated it would be nearly impossible for the beach to accommodate over two million people comfortably, indicating that the entire shoreline would be needed rather than just a portion.

Despite these findings, Rio officials have staunchly defended their attendance claims, failing to provide clarity on how they calculated their crowd estimates. This controversy highlights the challenges in accurately measuring large crowds at public events and raises questions about the information disseminated by local authorities.

For more insights into the analysis and to watch the full report, check out the piece by BBC Verify’s Mohamed Shalaby and Kevin Nguyen, with graphics by Mesut Ersoz, which explores the accuracy of the attendance figures and the implications for the city's reputation.