Drake shares statement about deadly Astroworld Festival incident

09 November 2021, 10:26 | Written by Cerys Kenneally

(News)

(Drake) (Travis Scott)

Drake has shared a statement to Instagram responding to the deadly crowd surge during Travis Scott's Astroworld Festival last week, saying that his "heart is broken for the family and friends of those who lost their lives."

Last Friday (5 November) eight people were killed - seven of which were between the ages of 14-27 - after the crowd surged forward during Travis Scott's Astroworld performance at NRG Park in Houston. Hundreds of other concert-goers were also injured, and it's now being investigated by police.

Drake, who was brought out at the festival by Scott as a surprise guest, has uploaded a statement to Instagram responding to the tragic event, writing, "I’ve spent the past few days trying to wrap my mind around this devastating tragedy. I hate resorting to this platform to express an emotion as delicate as grief but this is where I find myself. My heart is broken for the families and friends of those who lost their lives and for anyone who is suffering. I will continue to pray for all of them, and will be of service in any way I can. May God be with you all."

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Following the deadly incident, the rest of Astroworld Festival was cancelled, and has since seen several people that were allegedly injured during the incident file lawsuits against Travis Scott and festival promoter Live Nation. According to BBC, Drake was accused of inciting crowds "even though he knew of "[Travis Scott's] prior conduct" in one lawsuit.

Over the weekend Roddy Ricch revealed he would be donating his "net compensation to the families of this incident", and yesterday (8 November) it was reported that Travis Scott would be refunding everyone who attended Astroworld Festival.The rapper also cancelled his upcoming appearance at Day N Vegas Festival this weekend.

Variety also reported yesterday that Travis Scott has pledged to pay all funeral costs for the eight people who lost their lives at the event.