If you have watched the documentaries about the infamous Fyre Festival, you might have wondered if the man behind the scam, Billy McFarland, is related to the famous comedian and animator, Seth MacFarlane. They do share a similar surname and a striking resemblance, after all. But is there any truth to this rumor? Or is it just a case of mistaken identity? Here’s what we know.
The Origin of the Rumor
The rumor that Billy McFarland and Seth MacFarlane are related seems to have originated on Reddit, where some users noticed their physical similarity and speculated about a possible connection. The rumor was further fueled by Google Trends, which showed a spike in searches for “billy mcfarland seth macfarlane related” after the release of two documentaries about Fyre Festival in 2019.
The Reality of the Situation
Despite their similar looks and last names, Billy McFarland and Seth MacFarlane are not related in any way. In fact, their surnames are not even spelled the same way: Billy’s is McFarland, while Seth’s is MacFarlane. They also have different backgrounds and careers: Billy was born and raised in Millburn, New Jersey, while Seth was born and raised in Kent, Connecticut.
Billy McFarland is a convicted fraudster who orchestrated the disastrous Fyre Festival, a luxury music event that turned out to be a nightmare for attendees and investors. He was sentenced to six years in prison for multiple counts of fraud and ordered to pay back $26 million to his victims.
Seth MacFarlane is a successful actor, producer, comedian, and screenwriter who is best known for creating and voicing several animated shows, such as Family Guy, American Dad, and The Orville. He has also starred in and directed live-action movies, such as Ted, A Million Ways to Die in the West, and Sing. He has won several awards for his work, including four Emmys and two Grammys.
The Conclusion
Billy McFarland and Seth MacFarlane are not related, despite their similar surnames and resemblance. They have no familial connection or association whatsoever. The rumor that they are related is based on nothing but speculation and coincidence.