Comedian and TV host Steve Harvey is going to host an event at the same Dominican Republic resort where at least two American tourists died recently, the media has learned.
Harvey, who hosts the “Family Feud” and his eponymous daytime talk show, is going to host the third-annual “Soul and Sand Festival” on Oct. 10-14, 2019 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Punta Cana, according to Los Angeles magazine.
As rolling out has previously reported, at least nine tourists have reportedly died at D.R. resorts since 2018, including two at the Hard Rock Hotel. Robert Bell Wallace, 67, of Turlock, California, died on April 14. Wallace’s family members claim he became ill after downing a scotch from his room’s minibar. And last July, David Harrison, 45, from Maryland died at the resort from a reported heart attack and pulmonary edema.
A “Soul and Sand” spokesperson declined to speak on whether ticket sales were impacted since news of the recent spate of deaths at Dominican resorts.
The person would only say that they are “not answering questions on that,” and told Los Angeles magazine to consult Hard Rock’s website:
On Tuesday, June 18, Hard Rock officials had this to say in a statement that was obtained by Los Angeles magazine.
“We can assure you, the safety and health of our guests is now and has always been our highest priority. We currently implement beverage protocols, including purchasing sealed and unopened products from licensed and reputable vendors, as well as daily inspections of all products served throughout the hotel bars and in-room liquor dispensers. Additionally, our team members are trained to inspect all supplies, equipment and products that enter the property. Of course, we will continue to evaluate and recalibrate our protocols to strengthen and enhance guest safety.”
