Travis Scott and Drake are being sued for $1million (£742,000) in one lawsuit resulting from the Astroworld tragedy.
Eight people died at the Houston, Texas music festival, hosted by Scott, following a stampede that led to audience members being caught up in a crush on Friday. Among those killed was a 14-year-old child, named as John Hilgert, while Danish Baig, 27, died while trying to save his fiancee.
The horrific incident occurred while Scott, 30, performed on stage at the NRG Park and Drake, 34, briefly appeared as a special guest during his set.
One concert-goer, Kristian Paredes, has reportedly filed a lawsuit naming Scott, Drake – real name Aubrey Graham – and concert promoter Live Nation as well as others for negligence and alleging that the rappers helped to incite the crowd.
According to TMZ, the lawsuit makes reference to Scott’s controversial concert history and argues this should have been taken into consideration when organising this year’s Astroworld festival. Paredes states that Scott and Drake should have been aware of the reaction the crowd would have once they took to the stage. The plaintiff believes this is what caused the crowd to surge towards the crowd causing him injury.
Paredes also said that the staff who organised the event’s security and logistics, including Scott, should be held accountable for failing to keep concert-goers safe.
According to the Mail Online, Paredes said he was at the front of the general admission section with only a metal barrier separating him from the VIP section. He recalled feeling an ‘immediate push’ in the moments before Scott’s performance at around 9pm.
The filing states: ‘The crowd became chaotic and a stampede began leaving eight dead and dozens including Kristian Paredes severely injured.
‘Many begged security guards hired by Live Nation Entertainment for help, but were ignored.’
Texas attorney Thomas J Henry, who is representing Paredes, said: ‘There is no excuse for the events that unfolded at NRG stadium on Friday night.
‘There is every indication that the performers, organizers, and venue were not only aware of the hectic crowd but also that injuries and potential deaths may have occurred. Still, they decided to put profits over their attendees and allowed the deadly show to go on.
‘Live musical performances are meant to inspire catharsis, not tragedy. Many of these concert-goers were looking forward to this event for months, and they deserved a safe environment in which to have fun and enjoy the evening. Instead, their night was one of fear, injury, and death.’
Paredes is reportedly seeking $1m in damages and a trial by jury.
Another lawsuit was also filed on Saturday by Manuel Souza, who was reportedly hurt during the chaos.
Souza is alleging negligence and gross negligence from Scott, Live Nation and other defendants, describing the incident as a ‘predictable and preventable tragedy’.
The lawsuit argues the stampede was the result of a ‘motivation for profit at the expense of concertgoers’ health and safety’ and the ‘encouragement of violence’.
Souza’s attorney, Steve Kherkher of the firm Kherkher Garcia LLP wrote: ‘Defendants failed to properly plan and conduct the concert in a safe manner. Instead, they consciously ignored the extreme risks of harm to concertgoers, and, in some cases actively encouraged and fomented dangerous behaviours.’
Scott addressed the tragic events in an emotional Instagram video on Sunday, stating: ‘I just wanna send out prayers to the ones that was lost last night.
‘We’re actually working now to identify the families so we can help assist them through this tough time. My fans really mean the world to me and I always want to leave them with a positive experience.’
The Sicko Mode rapper continued: ‘Anytime I can make out anything that’s going on, you know, I stop the show and you know, help them get the help they need. I could just never imagine the severity of the situation.
‘To the ones that was lost last night, we’re working right now to ID the families so we can help assist them through this tough time.
‘I’m honestly just devastated… I could never imagine anything like this just happening.’
He added: ‘If you have any information, please just contact your local authorities.
‘I’m (going to) do everything I can to keep you guys updated, just keep you guys informed on what’s going on.
‘Love you all.’
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE : Kanye West dedicates Sunday Service to Astroworld victims as Travis Scott speaks out over tragedy
MORE : First picture of boy, 14, crushed in crowd at Travis Scott festival