Travis Scott has released a second statement about the tragedy at his Astroworld Festival at Houston’s NRG Park that left over eight people dead, and several others injured.
In an emotional video posted on his Instagram account Saturday Night, Scott said “he’s honestly devastated,” about the stampede that led to the deaths of the concert-goers, including a 14-year-old and a 16-year old.
He added: “I just wanna send out prayers to the ones that was lost last night.
Concertgoers criticized Scott and organizers for not stopping the festival, even as unresponsive people were being carried away. However the 29-year old rapper says he wasn’t aware of the severity of the situation, adding his fans “really mean the world to me.”
“Any time I can make out anything (negative) that’s going on, I just stop the show and help them get the help they need, you know,” Scott said.
Scott, born Jacques Bermon Webster II went on to say his team are working with Houston’s police, fire department and city authority “to get to the bottom” of what happened.
“We’re actually working right now to identify the families so we can help assist them through this tough time.”
He added “If you have any information, please just contact your local authorities. I’m honestly just devastated. I could never imagine anything like this just happening. I’ma do everything I can to keep you guys updated.”
The Houston native’s girlfriend, Kylie Jenner echoed the sentiments of her partner, saying on her Instagram stories, “Travis and I are broken and devastated. My thoughts and prayers are with all who lost their lives, were injured or affected in any way by yesterday’s events.”
She insisted Travis was unaware of how chaotic the crowd had gotten when he was performing.
“And also for Travis who I know cares deeply for his fans and the Houston community, I want to make it clear we weren’t aware of any fatalities until the news came out after the show, and in no world would have continued filming or performing.”
Jenner, who was also criticized online for posting clips of an ambulance moving away with bodies on her Instagram story, ended with words of commiseration for the families and victims. “I am sending my deepest condolences to all the families during this difficult time and will be praying for the healing of everyone who has been impacted.”
In a statement, Astroworld Festival confirmed that the rest of the event has been cancelled, adding its “hearts are with the Astroworld Festival family tonight – especially those we lost and their loved ones.”