Kristian Parades: Astroworld attendee sues Travis Scott and Drake for inciting the crowd
Travis Scott's Astroworld Fest ended up in an unprecedented tragedy as the frenzied crowd caused a stampede, leaving eight people dead and hundreds injured. The rapper later shared a statement saying that the incident has left him "absolutely devastated". But angry fans demand that he be arrested for ignoring the desperate pleas of the audience to stop the concert, as he continued to sing while ambulances took away dead bodies.
Now, a 23-year-old fan from Austin, Texas has decided to sue Travis Scott and Drake for 'inciting the crowd' and creating mayhem that left him 'severely injured'. Kristian Paredes filed a lawsuit against the two rappers who performed at the Astroworld Fest, along with Live Nation Entertainment Inc. and Harris County Sports and Convention Corporation, accusing them of negligence. While Drake was not blamed by fans before, Paredes believes that the special guest "came on stage alongside Travis Scott and helped incite the crowd." Paredes also mentioned that he and many others begged the security guards at the venue for help, but their desperate pleas were ignored.
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Travis Scott slammed for ignoring fans' pleas to stop Astroworld concert after 8 die
Kristian Paredes has sought over $1 Million in compensation for his bodily injuries and medical expenses, as some of his injuries might be permanent. He is also seeking a trial by jury, as his attorney, Thomas J Henry stated, "There is no excuse for the events that unfolded at NRG Stadium on Friday night." Paredes revealed that he was watching the concert from the front of the general admission section, and there was just a metal barrier separating him from the VIP section.
As soon as Travis Scott came up on the stage around 9 pm, the crowd became extremely chaotic and frenzied. Paredes felt an 'immediate push' from behind and ended up with multiple injuries. Dozens like him were severely injured, many suffered cardiac arrests and eight people lost their lives in the stampede that ensued. Despite the crisis, Scott reportedly continued with his performance, as unruly fans could be seen dancing on top of ambulances that arrived to escort the injured away.
In his lawsuit, Paredes mentioned, "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."
He directly attributes the cause of the deaths and injuries to the "negligence, carelessness and recklessness' of the 'defendants, their agents, servants and employees, in the ownership, management, maintenance, operation, supervision, and the control of the subject premises."
Paredes's attorney Thomas Henry also added, "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."
This is not the first time Travis Scott has been accused of fuelling chaos among fans. He has been convicted twice in the past for encouraging fans to break through security barriers and cause a ruckus at previous concerts.
