Scrutinizing the Numbers: Did 2.1 Million Attend Lady Gaga's Rio Concert?

Following reports of 2.1 million attendees at Lady Gaga's free concert in Rio de Janeiro, BBC Verify examines the accuracy of these claims. Experts suggest that fitting that many people along Copacabana Beach is highly unlikely, despite city officials defending their figures.

Amid discussions over Lady Gaga's spectacular concert in Rio de Janeiro, claims of an incredible 2.1 million people in attendance have raised eyebrows. Funded by the city, the concert was intended to boost local economic activity, with predictions that it could generate upwards of $100 million (£75 million). Fans flocked to the seaside city from across Brazil to witness the performance, leading officials to celebrate the remarkable turnout.

However, the credibility of this attendance figure was challenged when BBC Verify conducted an analysis alongside a crowd density expert. Their findings cast doubt on the feasibility of accommodating over two million people on the beach, suggesting that the entire stretch would be necessary to hold such a crowd comfortably. Despite these revelations, local officials continue to support their attendance claims without clarifying how they derived their data.

The discrepancy in numbers raises questions about the event's actual impact and the methods used to measure attendance. For a detailed look into the investigation, view the full analysis presented by the BBC.