The family of Ezra Blount, the 9-year-old who passed away after being trampled at the Astroworld Festival, has rejected Travis Scott’s offer to cover his funeral costs.
In a letter obtained by Rolling Stone, Bob Hilliard, the family’s lawyer, wrote attorney Daniel Petrocelli, who represents the “Highest In The Room” rapper, to turn down their proposal. “Your client’s offer is declined,” Hilliard wrote.
“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,” he added.
Earlier this week, Petrocelli sent a letter to Hilliard on behalf of Scott, saying that his client was “devastated” by the Astroworld tragedy and “grieves for the families whose loved ones died or were injured.”
“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,” Petrocelli added.
Scott’s attorney also insisted that their offer would “have no effect” on the lawsuit that was filed against the “Sicko Mode” emcee by Blount’s family.
As REVOLT previously reported, Blount was the youngest victim to succumb to his injuries from the concert. During the show, the 9-year-old was sitting on his father’s shoulders through Scott’s set. As the crowd of more than 50,000 people surged toward the stage, Blount’s father passed out, causing the young boy to fall.
When Blount’s dad regained consciousness, the young boy was nowhere to be found. His family later located him at the Texas Children’s Hospital, where he was placed in a medically induced coma. Blount suffered severe swelling in his brain and went into cardiac arrest. He also sustained lung, kidney and liver damage. A little more than a week after the festival, Blount sadly passed away.