The family of Astroworld’s youngest victim, 9-year-old Ezra Blount, has no interest in taking Travis Scott’s financial assistance for funeral expenses.
According to Rolling Stone, Bob Hilliard, Ezra's family lawyer, responded to Scott’s attorney after an offer was presented on the rapper’s behalf.
Daniel Petrocelli, who represents Scott, submitted the offer, saying, “Travis is devastated by the tragedy that occurred at the Astroworld Festival and grieves for the families whose loved ones died or were injured.”
A 9-year-old boy injured at the Astroworld festival has died. Ezra Blount is the 10th and youngest victim.
He was in an induced coma after being trampled during the crowd surge, say family. At least 140 lawsuits have been filed against Travis Scott and other festival organizers. pic.twitter.com/9OtkKjVMV3
— AJ+ (@ajplus) November 15, 2021
“Travis is committed to doing his part to help the families who have suffered and begin the long process of healing in the Houston community. Toward that end, Travis would like to pay for the funeral expenses for Mr. Blount’s son,” he added.
However, Hilliard’s reply to Scott’s legal team gave no room for acceptance.
“Your client’s offer is declined,” Hilliard said. ”I have no doubt Mr. Scott feels remorse. His journey ahead will be painful. He must face and hopefully see that he bears some of the responsibility for this tragedy.”
As Blavity previously reported, Ezra's father, Treston Blount, stayed in the back to avoid unruly concertgoers. However, Ezra and his father got caught up in the crowd surge, causing Treston to lose consciousness. Treston later learned that his son had been trampled in the crowd and was rushed to the hospital.
Ezra was placed in a medically induced coma and eventually died from his injuries; he was laid to rest on Nov. 23.
After the child’s death, the Blount family filed a “gross negligence” lawsuit against Live Nation, Cactus Jack Records, concert promoter ScoreMore Management and Scott, Complex reports.
The family insisted that all parties involved “egregiously failed in their duty to protect the health, safety, and lives” of those in attendance.
Hilliard said, “for now,” Scott “must respect” that his own “devastation” is minimal compared to the devastation that Ezra’s family feels.
At least 282 victims have obtained legal representation from Thomas J. Henry in San Antonio, Texas. A $2 billion lawsuit on their behalf was filed against Apple Music, Live Nation, NRG Stadium, Scott and Drake.
“The defendants stood to make an exorbitant amount of money off of this event, and they still chose to cut corners, cut costs and put attendees at risk,” Henry said.
“My clients want to ensure the defendants are held responsible for their actions, and they want to send the message to all performers, event organizers and promoters that what happened at Astroworld cannot happen again,” he added.