The Astroworld Festival tragedy on November 5 claimed the lives of 10 people and injured hundreds of others. Festival founder Travis Scott offered to pay for the deceased victims’ funerals and any mental health counseling deemed necessary by those who witnessed the horrific scene.
But the family of 9-year-old Ezra Blount, who died days after being trampled, isn’t interested in the “SICKO MODE” rapper’s charity. In a letter obtained by Rolling Stone, Scott’s lawyer Daneil Petrocelli told Blount family attorney Bob Hilliard his client would be happy to cover the costs of burying their child.
“Travis is devastated by the tragedy that occurred at the Astroworld Festival and grieves for the families whose loved ones died or were injured,” Petrocelli wrote. “Travis is committed to doing his part to help the families who have suffered and begin the long process of healing in the Houston community. Toward that end, Travis would like to pay for the funeral expenses for Mr. Blount’s son.”
But Hilliard replied, “Your client’s offer is decline. I have no doubt Mr. Scott feels remorse. His journey ahead will be painful. He must face and hopefully see that he bears some of the responsibility for this tragedy.”
The Blount family moved ahead with their own funeral and buried their child in Texas on November 23.
Blount was rushed to a Houston children’s hospital where he was placed in medically induced coma with damage to his internal organs including his lungs, kidney and heart as well as brain swelling due to cardiac arrest. His family was forced to remove him from life support on November 14, making Blount the youngest victim out of the 10 who passed away.
Astroworld Tragedy Leaves 9-Year-Old Boy In Coma: 'Why Didn’t Travis Scott Stop?'
Harris County released the names of the initial eight victims on November 8: Mirza Baig, 27, Rodolfo Peña, 23, Madison Dubiski, 23, Franco Patiño, 21, Jacob Jurinke, 20, John Hilgert, 14, Axel Acosta Avila, 21, and Brianna Rodriguez, 16.
The ninth victim, 22-year-old Texas A&M senior Bhari Shahani, was initially declared brain dead before her family had to make the difficult decision to let her go on November 11.
Travis Scott is facing an onslaught of lawsuits totaling billions of dollars but according to an attorney to spoke with Yahoo! Finance earlier this month, they likely won’t stick.
I am in no way trying to be insensitive or an ass etc. But I dont understand why he is at fault. Hundreds of people pushed a already full arena of people causing a domino effect that resulted in deaths. What exactly did Travis do? How could he stop a crowd from pushing. Who would want people to die at their concert?! Ive seen past video, comments just dont see how its his fault. Seems like venue is at fault.
While I totally agree with what you said, I think what people are upset about is he kept going while everything was happening. I mean, it’s the people’s fault as much as anyone else. They were the ones pushing, running through security and getting in without paying. I think Travis deserves some criticism but not because of what transpired. The whole lawsuits ordeal, none will stick but it will be settled just like every other case. I find it weird that right after this incident, many shows and concerts after magically had people “pass out” during the show. The artist or comedian stopped it and of course made a comment saying “ blah blah blah I don’t want another Astro world incident blah blah blah”
Whole Lotta cap. Were you there cause it doesn’t sound like it. He stopped the show 3 times including to let an Ambulance in to tend to victims. The entire Festival was over with by 9:30pm on Day 1 not even an hour into Travis’ set. Live Nation will be the one settling lawsuits.
In no fucking way should you bring a 9-year-old to a rap or rock concert. This falls on the shoulders of the dad who shouldn’t have had his kid there in the first fucking place.
travis scott at one point was egging the crowd on.
Dumb spiteful parents who was stupid to bring a 9 year old to a hip hop concert.