Travis Scott-linked companies, Apple remain on Astroworld suit while Drake dismissed, judge rules

A judge has decided that rapper Travis Scott’s companies and tech giant Apple will remain as defendants in a lawsuit filed by victims of the tragic Astroworld Festival. While the ruling reduced the number of defendants, it retained Apple and several of Scott’s companies in the civil lawsuit.

Court documents also revealed that Drake, who performed at the concert but was previously unannounced, has been dismissed from the lawsuit. The Canadian rapper argued that he had no involvement in the planning or management of the festival.

In June of last year, a grand jury chose not to indict Travis Scott in the criminal investigation, resulting in six no-bill decisions, indicating no pursuit of criminal charges.

The lawsuit follows the 2021 tragedy at Astroworld Festival, which claimed the lives of 10 people and injured hundreds more at NRG Park. The victims, including a 9-year-old, died from compression asphyxiation, according to the medical examiner.

Houston police later released a detailed report containing timelines, transcribed 911 calls, officer narratives, and summaries of interviews conducted with over 100 individuals. Concerns about overcrowding had been raised by Astroworld organizers weeks before the festival, according to newly filed court documents.

Witnesses described chaotic scenes, with concertgoers climbing barricades and victims being crowd-surfed out within the first 30 minutes of the show. Scott, unaware of the emergency situation, was reportedly informed towards the end of the concert that it would have to conclude abruptly.