Houston Judge Kristen Hawkins has denied Travis Scott’s motion to dismiss him from his multibillion-dollar civil lawsuit over the 2021 Astroworld disaster, forcing him to go to a jury trial.
Wednesday’s ruling noted that the famous rapper must personally attend the trial over the incident that left 10 people dead and hundreds injured. signboard. The trial is scheduled to begin in May. According to Billboard, Scott’s lawyer says it’s “not a performer’s job” to ensure the safety of fans and argues that Scott cannot be held personally responsible for the deadly stampede. did.
Recording artist Travis Scott performs during his “Astroworld: Wish You Were Here” tour at T-Mobile Arena on February 6, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada.Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images
A woman walks past a memorial to those who died at the Astroworld Festival outside NRG Park on November 9, 2021 in Houston, Texas.Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images
Judge Hawkins provided no additional information about her decision.
More than 2,500 people have filed lawsuits after the 2021 festival that Scott headlined and promoted turned deadly. Scott and his organizers are jointly seeking billions of dollars in damages for the victims, families, and loved ones who lost their lives in this tragedy. According to Billboard, Live Nation neglected to plan the event.
A road sign indicates the cancellation of the Astroworld Festival at NRG Park in Houston, Texas on November 6, 2021.Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images
Travis Scott performs at the Astroworld Festival at NRG Stadium on November 9, 2019 in Houston, Texas. Photo by SUZANNE CORDEIRO/AFP) (Photo by SUZANNE CORDEIRO/AFP via Getty Images)
Travis Scott attends “The Idol” red carpet during the 76th Cannes Film Festival held at the Palais des Festivals on May 22, 2023 in Cannes, France.Photo by Christy Sparrow/Getty Images
Discovery has been held over the past two years as the case progresses. Scott was fired in October and was questioned for about eight hours by plaintiffs’ lawyers. according to To the Associated Press.
Travis Scott performs on stage at the 2022 Billboard Music Awards held at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 15, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for MRC
Travis Scott performs on stage at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards held at Crypto.com Arena on February 4, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for the Recording Academy
According to Billboard, the first trial in the wrongful death case brought by the family of the late 23-year-old Madison Dubisky, who died at Astroworld, will begin on May 6th. (Related: Kid LaRoi suddenly cancels concert due to safety issue with fans)
Scott was not pardoned from attending the trial, but fellow artist Drake was removed from the case because, although he was a performer, he was not listed as an official organizer of the event.
