New York concert to be investigated over 'egregious' social-distancing violations, Cuomo says

July 28 (Reuters) - New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said on Monday that health authorities would investigate a charity concert, which included performances by Goldman Sachs Group boss David Solomon and the Chainsmokers, over social distancing violations.

The drive-in event, called 'Safe & Sound', had space for about 600 cars and was held in Southampton, New York on Saturday. It was the first in a series of such concerts planned for the United States, according to its organizer's website.

Solomon, who goes by the deejay name D-Sol, was on stage and performed for an hour. "The group that put this together did an incredible job in a difficult environment," he said in an interview with Bloomberg.

"Videos from a concert held in Southampton on Saturday show egregious social distancing violations," Cuomo said in a tweet. "I am appalled."

The organizers said in a statement that they collaborated with all state and local health officials and the concert followed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) guidelines.

New York has been one of the worst coronavirus-affected regions in U.S., recording more deaths than any other state. Cuomo, a Democrat, announced limited and phased reopenings in the state starting mid-May.

Profits from the event, for which tickets cost up to $25,000, will go to several local charity, according to Billboard.