Judge Says Rapper Travis Scott Must Face Jury Trial In Astroworld Lawsuits

Rapper Travis Scott, whose legal name is Jacques Bermon Webster II, is now expected to undergo a trial by jury following a recent decision by a judge earlier this week. Scott had sought to have the extensive legal proceedings stemming from the tragic events of the 2021 Astroworld music festival dismissed.

During the festival, which drew a crowd of 50,000 attendees, a stampede occurred resulting in the deaths of 10 fans and injuries to hundreds more. On Wednesday (April 24), Judge Kristen Hawkin rejected Scott's motion, meaning he will have to proceed to trial next month. The judge did not provide a written explanation for her decision.

The first trial within the extensive legal proceedings, involving a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of 23-year-old Madison Dubiski, who tragically passed away at Astroworld, is scheduled to commence on May 6.

The festival attendees who tragically lost their lives ranged in age from nine to 27, with the official cause of death determined to be asphyxiation, resulting from being crushed in the crowd.

Following the incident, Scott expressed in a statement that he was deeply affected by the tragedy. However, his legal team argued that the safety of the event was not within the responsibility of performing artists and contended that Scott bore no responsibility.

Daniel Petrocelli, Scott’s attorney, asserted, “Like any other adrenaline-inducing diversion, music festivals must balance exhilaration with safety and security—but that balance is not the job of performing artists, even those involved in promoting and marketing performances.” 

He further stated, “Which only makes sense: Performing artists, even those who engage in certain promotional activities, have no inherent expertise or specialized knowledge in concert safety measures, venue security protocols, or site-design.”

Previously, when a Texas grand jury declined to indict Travis on criminal charges related to the concert, Attorney Kent Schaffer echoed similar sentiments, stating, “He never encouraged people to do anything that resulted in other people being hurt. Travis is not responsible,” he said.

However, Dubiski’s legal representation refuted these assertions, alleging that Scott displayed a blatant disregard for safety. They cited a purported tweet from Scott on the day of the concert, in which he allegedly stated, ‘we still sneaking the wild ones in.’ Additionally, they claimed that he ignored directives from festival organizers to halt the concert when conditions became perilous.