Travis Scott’s Astroworld case continues after a new Texas Supreme Court ruling forces Live Nation to take a deposition.
Earlier this week, the Supreme Court ordered that Live Nation’s CEO Michael Rapino be deposed alongside attorneys representing the victims of the infamous 2021 festival. In its recent decision, the court denied Live Nation’s request to prevent Rapino’s deposition. The justices agreed that Rapino was directly implicated in the catastrophic events that left ten people dead and hundreds injured.
Live Nation argued that Rapino, as a high-level executive, was far removed from operational decisions at the festival and should not be required to testify. But, victims’ attorneys presented evidence suggesting otherwise, including an email from Rapino sent on the night of the tragedy. In it, he instructed the festival director to hold off on canceling the event until more details about the death toll emerged, reportedly stating, “If five died, we would cancel.”
Attorneys for the victims argue this communication demonstrates Rapino’s direct role in decisions that could have impacted festivalgoers’ safety.
The court’s ruling comes nearly three years after the Astroworld incident unfolding during Travis Scott’s headlining performance. The crowd surge triggered a wave of lawsuits against Live Nation, Scott, and other associated parties, seeking billions in damages.
While some cases have been settled out of court, other victims and their families are pursuing jury trials. Rapino’s deposition date is not yet set. However, the ruling could have significant implications for the case as it proceeds.
Travis Scott has been on the Utopia/Circus Maximus world tour in 2024, which reportedly outsold his Astroworld. Last month, the Utopia tour became one of hip-hop’s highest-grossing tours.
More as this story develops.
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