[1/2]The 76th Cannes Film Festival – Screening of the television series ‘The Idol’ out of competition – Red Carpet Arrivals – Cannes, France, May 22, 2023. Travis Scott poses. Portal/Sarah Meyssonnier/Archive Photo
June 29 (Portal) – A Texas grand jury meets Thursday to weigh possible criminal charges against rapper Travis Scott and others over a crowd at a music festival in 2021 that killed ten and injured thousands, it has been confirmed Scott’s attorney.
Attorney Kent Schaffer said it was unclear whether the Houston grand jury would make a decision Thursday. The criminal investigation involves Scott and several others involved in planning his Astroworld Festival in November 2021.
“Nothing Travis did or failed to do fits under the Texas Penal Code,” Schaffer told Portal.
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office did not immediately respond to requests for comment Thursday.
Prosecutors will present evidence to the jury and ask them if there are probable causes supporting the criminal charge. The process does not necessarily mean that charges will be filed.
The investigation stems from a deadly stampede of fans at Astroworld in Houston, where thousands were injured when the packed crowd rushed forward as Scott took the stage. Ten people died from asphyxiation, including a ten-year-old boy.
The tragedy sparked a spate of legal battles against Scott and festival organizers, including entertainment giant Live Nation (LYV.N), which merged with Ticketmaster in 2010.
Prosecutors allege that Scott, Live Nation and more than two dozen other defendants, despite knowing the risks, allowed too many people into the venue because they wanted the concert to appear crowded.
At least 4,900 fans were injured, according to attorneys representing victims in lawsuits against Scott and the organizers.
The cases have been consolidated in Texas state court in a proceeding known as a multiple district litigation, which streamlines the adjudication of similar lawsuits.
The family of one of those killed reached an undisclosed settlement with Scott, Live Nation and others in October 2022.
Other lawsuits are still pending, including a lawsuit brought by the family of the 10-year-old boy who was killed.
Attorney Robert Hilliard, representing that family, said in a statement Thursday that “both criminal and civil accountability are vital to ensure those responsible for the loss of innocent lives understand the enduring devastation they are causing.” have done to these families.”
Reporting by Jack Queen and Mike Spector in New York; Adaptation by Amy Stevens and Lisa Shumaker
Our standards: The Thomson Portal Trust Principles.
Mike Spector