Travis Scott news: Congress launches inquiry into Live Nation’s role in Astroworld’s murderous Houston gig

HOUSTON – The United States House of Representatives’ Oversight and Reform Committee announced on Wednesday that it is investigating Live Nation’s role in the deadly Astroworld festival tragedy that occurred at NRG Park in Houston November 5.

A letter was sent to Live Nation President and CEO Michael Rapino requesting information on the tragic events which resulted in the deaths of 10 spectators.

RELATED: Death of Astroworld Festival Victims Considered Asphyxiation Accident, Medical Examiner Says

“It is a horrible way to die, and absolutely preventable. Their families and our community deserve answers to make sure this does not happen again,” said Congressman Kevin Brady. “I have pushed for this congressional investigation to hold concert promoters and organizers accountable, identify the causes, and ensure that families no longer have to wonder if their child, friend or loved one will return alive from a concert.”

Live Nation Entertainment was the concert promoter who would be responsible for “planning, staffing, setting up money, obtaining permits, sourcing suppliers, communicating with local agencies” for the Astroworld festival, ”read the letter signed by Representatives Carolyn B. Maloney, James Comer, Kevin Brady, Al Green and Bill Pascrell Jr.

Rapper Travis Scott was reported to take the stage at 9 p.m. and around 20 minutes later medical staff responded to the first reports of injuries.

“Recent reports raise serious concerns as to whether your company has taken adequate measures to ensure the safety of the 50,000 spectators who attended the Astroworld festival,” the representatives wrote. For example, reports indicate that security and medical personnel were inexperienced or ill-equipped to deal with mass injuries. Some participants said putting up barricades made it difficult to escape. Experts said that the organizers of the Astroworld festival had ignored the warning signs. “

The House Oversight Committee requested information regarding festival roles and responsibilities, security planning and actions taken by Live Nation after being informed that law enforcement said the event was a “mass victim” be published by January 7, 2022.

Live Nation released the following statement on Wednesday afternoon:

“We are assisting local authorities with their investigation and will of course share information with the Committee. Safety is at the heart of live events and Live Nation engages in detailed safety planning in coordination with local stakeholders, including law enforcement, fire and EMT professionals. We are heartbroken by the events of Astroworld and our deepest condolences go out to the families and friends of the victims. “

WATCH: ‘I have to get out’ Witness remembers trying to stop Astroworld show

Scott’s attorney, Ed McPherson, gave an interview to ABC Houston affiliate KTRK in November, saying the Astroworld production team would have “absolutely” shut down the show if the Houston Police Department had asked.

McPherson also said Scott couldn’t really see what was going on beyond the stage. In the interview, McPherson pointed out that performers have music and producers in their ear cups. Additionally, the stage lighting makes it nearly impossible for performers to see into a dark arena.

“We are deeply saddened by the deaths at the Astroworld festival and are committed to investigating what went wrong to inform possible reforms that could prevent future tragedies,” representatives said of the inquiry. .

On December 9, Scott met up with radio and television personality Charlamagne Tha God and gave his first interview about the tragedy.

Scott maintained he was not aware of the deaths or injuries at the time.

He was asked within minutes of starting the nearly hour-long interview when he knew things had gone horribly wrong.

“It wasn’t until a few minutes after the press conference started that I found out exactly what had happened. Even after the show you only hear things,” Scott began. “But, I didn’t know the exact details until a few minutes before the press conference. And even now you’re like, ‘Wait. What?'” Scott continued. “You just went through something, and it’s like ‘What?'”

“So you didn’t know that people had died? Asked Charlamagne.

“No. Until a few minutes before,” Scott said. “The thing is, people pass out. Things happen at concerts. But something like that. It’s just like …”

WATCH: Travis Scott says he’s never heard fans’ pleas for help

Houston police and firefighters responded to reports of an “massively casualty event” at 9:38 p.m., according to HFD chief Sam Pena.

The concert continued, however, until Live Nation shut it down at around 10:10 pm.

SEE ALSO: HPD Still Investigating If Charges Will Be Filed in ‘Accidental’ Deaths of Astroworld Fest

The Astroworld festival tragedy follows a long line of other tragic events and security breaches involving Live Nation. Live Nation has been fined or fined numerous lawsuits over safety concerns in previous events, including other incidents involving an increase in fans or pushing back.

Not only is Scott facing hundreds of lawsuits, production on his hard seltzer line has been suspended for the time being, according to Scott’s partner Anheuser-Busch.