After the family of the youngest victim Ezra Blount declines the funeral-cost offer, the families of four more victims turn down the rapper's gesture, noting they'd rather let the courts decide the best course of justice.
- Dec 2, 2021
AceShowbiz - Travis Scott (II)'s offer to pay for funeral costs for the Astroworld victim has been turned down by more families of Astroworld Festival's victims. Four of the victims' families rejected the "SICKO MODE" spitter's offer after the family of the youngest victim Ezra Blount declined the rapper's gesture.
A lawyer for the family of 14-year-old John Hilgert called the 30-year-old rapper's offer "demeaning and inappropriate." The legal representation told Rolling Stone on Wednesday, December 1, "It was not an offer they were going to seriously consider."
"Of all the things this case is about, that's the least of any concern. This family is set on making change and ensuring this never happens at a concert again," the attorney added. "I find offering to pay for funerals frankly demeaning and really inappropriate to the magnitude of the tragedy that unfolded."
A lawyer for the families of Jacob Jurinek and Franco Patino, both 21, said that Jacob and Franco's families "realized quickly that all [Scott] was trying to do was trying to lessen the public outcry on his case." The family lawyer for 21-year-old victim Axel Acosta added, "It's bulls**t. If you gave a s**t about these families, you wouldn't have to put out a press release for everyone to see saying he's willing to pay for a funeral."
On Monday, November 29, Bob Hilliard, a lawyer for the family of 9-year-old victim Ezra, revealed in a letter that the family declined the rapper's offer. "Your client's offer is declined. I have no doubt Mr. Scott feels remorse," the attorney stated. "His journey ahead will be painful. He must face and hopefully see that he bears some of the responsibility for this tragedy."
The letter was in response to a letter from Travis' attorney Daniel Petrocelli. The letter read, "Travis is devastated by the tragedy that occurred at the Astroworld Festival and grieves for the families whose loved ones died or were injured." It continued, "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."
