Sunwing Party Plane Organizer Just Hit Back At 'Sheeps' & Told His Critics To 'Wake Up'

The 111 Private Club owner is speaking out (again). 😬

Managing Editor, Canada

James William Awad — 111 Private Club owner and the organizer of the controversial Sunwing party plane — has spoken out yet again, and this time he's calling out his critics.

In a tweet on Sunday, January 9, Awad appeared to backtrack on his original statement by referring to those who disapproved of his actions as "sheeps."

"Reality of the story, sheeps are mad because people partied on a private chartered plane where partying was allowed," he wrote, adding, "Wake up!!"

A day earlier, the company owner went on a Twitter rant during which he said that "the only thing that went wrong" was the return flight being cancelled and told people to "relax."

"Only like 15-20 people were partying on that plane. While every body else was sitting," he said in another tweet. "That's barely 8% of the people that participated in that event. The Ratio is great. The 111 Private Club is A1."

At around the same time, he also tweeted, "love you," with a heart emoji and shared a video of Jimmy Fallon talking about the incident.

The latest messages are in stark contrast to his initial statement, shared on January 6, which read, "I understand why many fellow citizens are upset about the current situation."

"I have significantly learned, and I am still learning from this experience," he said, although he did not apologize for what happened.

Awad has now spoken out on several occasions since videos from the privately chartered Sunwing plane went viral. The clips show Quebec-based influencers partying maskless on board while dancing, smoking, drinking alcohol and flouting Canada's public health rules.

While several of those involved have spoken out and distanced themselves from the controversy, the Instagram account for 111 Private Club continues to post videos from the Cancun trip.

Multiple Canadian airlines, including Air Transat and Air Canada, refused to fly those involved back from Mexico after Sunwing cancelled the group's return flight that was scheduled for January 5, 2022.

In response, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau described their actions as a "slap in the face" and said they were a "gang de sans-dessein" (purposeless or clueless people).

The federal government has committed to investigating the December 30 flight and has promised to take the incident "very seriously." If found guilty, the influencers could face hefty fines or even possible jail time.

  • Managing Editor

    Helena Hanson (she/her) is the Managing Editor of Canada for Narcity and MTL Blog, where she brings her expertise in dreamy, aspirational travel journalism to life. A first-class graduate of Cardiff University's School of Journalism, Helena has a passion for inspiring readers to discover the magic in their own backyards. Originally from the U.K., Helena has spent years uncovering hidden gems and must-see destinations across countries like Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, and more. Having lived in both Canada and Australia, she's become a seasoned expert in off-the-beaten-path adventures and bucket-list experiences that don't break the bank. Whether she's writing about things to do in Ottawa, Montreal, or her favourite spot—Disney World—Helena hopes to leave readers dreaming of their next adventure.

Some Canadians in Mexico have been ordered to shelter in place after an outbreak of violence

The affected area includes the popular resort city of Puerto Vallarta.

Everything we know so far about the fatal Air Canada plane crash at LaGuardia Airport

From air traffic control transcripts to chilling passenger accounts, here's all the info we have so far.

Air Canada ordered to pay pilots over vaccines

Air Canada ordered to pay pilots who were denied religious COVID-19 vaccine exemption

Gunman at Mexico pyramids kills Canadian tourist

Canadian tourist killed, another injured after gunman opens fire at Mexico pyramids

Alberta to do away with twice-a-year time change

Alberta's government says it will do away with twice-a-year time change

Poll suggests more Tory voters now want new leader

Poll suggests more Conservative voters now want to replace Poilievre as leader

These companies were just named Canada's top employers for 2026 and here's why

Some well-known employers like IKEA, Loblaws, Parks Canada and UBC made the list.

Shooting at Mexico pyramids was planned: officials

Shooting at Mexico pyramids that killed Canadian tourist was planned: officials