Travis Scott has announced his plan to cover the funeral expenses for the eight individuals who died at his Astroworld Festival this past Friday.
During the first night of the 2021 festival, a massive crowd crush during Scott’s set led to the death of eight fans and hundreds of additional injuries. The following night, which was set to feature Young Thug, Chief Keef, 21 Savage, Bad Bunny, and Tame Impala, among others, was subsequently cancelled.
“These are the first of many steps Travis plans on taking as a part of personal vow to assist those affected throughout their grieving and recovery process,” his representatives explained in a statement.
Scott had previously promised refunds for all attendants of the now-cancelled Astroworld Festival. Scott has come under severe criticism for the continuation of his set during the first night of the festival while medical personnel were attempting to treat victims.
Today, the City of Houston named the eight victims who died the night of the festival. Those individuals were Axel Acosta Avila, Mirza Baig, Madison Dubiski, Jacob Jurinke, Franco Patino, Rodolfo Peña, Brianna Rodriguez, and John Hilgert, the last of whom was only 14 years old.
Scott previously announced on his Instagram his desire to connect with the victims’ families to try and support them after the tragic events. “We’re actually working right now to identify the families so we can help assist them during this tough time,” Scott said in a video. “My fans really mean the world to me. I always just really want to leave them with a positive experience. Anytime I can make out what’s going on, I stop the show and help them get the help they need.”
Scott is currently being named in two separate lawsuits in regards to the crowd crush, one of which has been filed by a Texas lawyer who is offering to represent all families affected is seeking damages from Scott, Live Nation, NRG Stadium, and Drake, who had joined Scott on stage during his performance.
The rapper recently pulled out of his scheduled appearance at the Day N Vegas Festival that was set to occur this Saturday, with sources from Variety magazine explaining that the rapper is “too distraught to play.” Post Malone has been announced to take his place.
You can read Scott’s original response to the events down below.