Astroworld Tragedy
Rapper Travis Scott will not be charged
Ten people were killed during a Travis Scott performance in 2021.
© Laurent Koffel/ImageCollect
Rapper Travis Scott will not be charged in connection with the stampede at his Astroworld music festival.
A Texas jury has ruled that rapper Travis Scott, 32, will not be charged in the Astroworld tragedy case. NBC reports that authorities on Thursday (June 29) announced that the musician will not be held criminally responsible for the stampede at his Astroworld music festival in 2021 that killed ten and injured thousands more.
The grand jury has considered and dismissed criminal charges against Scott and five others in connection with the deaths of fans, District Attorney Kim Ogg said at a news conference. “It is tragic that ten innocent people were killed trying to enjoy an evening of music and entertainment. But tragedy is not always a crime […]”, Ogg said in a statement. The jury’s decision did not affect the many pending civil lawsuits.
Relatives of the victims accuse Travis Scott of negligent behavior
“We’re really relieved and grateful this is over,” Scott’s attorney, Kent Schaffer, said after the decision. “It’s been a long 18 months for Travis. Today’s decision confirms what we have always known – that Travis Scott is not responsible for the Astroworld tragedy.” A lawyer for the family of Ezra Blount, the nine-year-old killed in the stampede during the rapper’s performance, said in a statement Thursday that the family was disappointed. “There is clear guilt and grossly negligent behavior that led to death and serious injuries,” said the lawyer. “Although the jury declined to find this conduct criminal, Ezra Blount’s family will go ahead and await their day in court.”
Hundreds of lawsuits have been filed alleging negligence between Scott and the concert promoter. Scott declared a “general denial” of the allegations in 2021 and moved to dismiss several lawsuits.