Ultra responds to new Rapture lawsuit: ‘There is no merit’

Ultra Music Festival has responded to a lawsuit issued by Rapture Electronic Music Festival over the Virginia Key site that both events have been given permission to use on the same weekend.

"There is no merit to the recent lawsuit," Ultra's statement says. "To claim that Ultra has violated the law is both disappointing and misplaced. Ultra lawfully secured its license to host its annual production on Virginia Key, including by obtaining necessary approvals from the City of Miami Commission."

The response continues: "We are excited to present our fans with what will be the best and most transformative music festival that we have ever produced by way of music, artists, experience, cutting edge and technologically advanced production elements and novel art installations."

A cease and desist against Ultra was issued by Rapture after the former announced that this year's event would be taking place at the new Virginia Key Beach Park location after organisers were granted permission to use the site by Miami city commissioners.

Rapture's lawyer Paul K. Silverberg sent the cease and desist last month to both the city of Miami and Ultra to withdraw their application to use the venue. The festival's understanding was that they had been given permission to use the site for the next three years.

Ultra sought a new venue for their flagship Miami festival after being removed from previous home Bayfront Park by the city following residents' complaints about noise. The festival also agreed to pay $2 million and submission to a license review after its 2019 edition.

It was recently revealed that Carl Cox's Resistance would host an island-based stage at this year's Ultra for three days, featuring himself, Charlotte de Witte, Adam Beyer and more. Ultra Miami is set to take place from March 29th–31st.