‘MOTIVATION FOR PROFIT’

Travis Scott and Astroworld Organizers Sued Over ‘Preventable’ Tragedy

The disaster was the result of “a motivation for profit at the expense of concertgoers’ health and safety,” one of two suits claims.

At least two lawsuits have already been filed against Travis Scott and the organizers of the Astroworld music festival after a deadly crowd surge on Friday left eight people dead and dozens more injured. Manuel Souza, an attendee who was hurt in the crush, filed a petition Saturday against Scott, Live Nation, ScoreMore, and several other parties involved in the organizing of the festival. In his suit, seeking at least $1 million in damages, Souza called the disaster a “predictable and preventable tragedy.” He said Scott and the other defendants “consciously ignored the extreme risks of harm to concertgoers, and, in some cases actively encouraged and fomented dangerous behaviors.” Souza’s lawsuit took aim at Scott, who has been arrested several times for inciting crowds to rush security gates at past shows, including at Lollapalooza in 2015.

A second suit was filed Sunday by 23-year-old Kristian Paredes, who said he was “severely injured” at Astroworld. His complaint also implicates hip-hop star Drake, who “came on stage alongside Travis Scott and helped incite the crowd.” In his filing, Paredes condemned the “negligence, carelessness, and recklessness” of the performers and organizers. His lawyer told the Daily Mail that there was “no excuse” for the tragedy.