Internet personality Nik Richie, founder of Warrior Network Agency, received a legal threat from Coachella's top attorney after his agency posted an AI-generated promotional image for Buffalo Energy drink featuring the Coachella and Stagecoach names and festival imagery.
The image, posted to WNA's Instagram, claimed the drink was "officially positioned" at the festivals, despite no actual partnership existing. This prompted a direct email from AEG Presents lawyer Jason Bernstein, who demanded immediate removal of the content or promised swift federal court action.
Richie's blunt reply to the legal threat was "No thanks. You sound like a d-ck." He then enlisted First Amendment attorney Marc Randazza, who issued a scathing response letter. Randazza confirmed the posts were removed but also quoted media calling Coachella "an oasis for douchebags," questioned the festival's value, and sarcastically congratulated Bernstein on his victory.
The exchange has become a notable public legal spat in the lead-up to the festival season.