In response to the horrific Astroworld tragedy, some critics say Travis Scott should have done better. They allude to what people are seeing as a callous response. One Twitter user posted a video from the night. As with all footage from this incredible tragedy, please be advised: footage includes grim images and graphic video content. Please proceed with caution.
READ: Travis Scott Breaks Silence, Speaks Out In Response To Horrific Astroworld Tragedy
WATCH: Terrifying Video And Grim First Hand Accounts From Horrific Travis Scott Astroworld Concert
READ: 8 People Died After Stampede At Travis Scott Concert, Source Says May Be Sparked By Individual Injecting Crowd With Drug Substance
Travis Scott’s Reaction
In the top video, below, you can see Scott reacting to an individual being carried out of the crowd. It is unclear if Scott is aware of the condition of the individual. As with many concerts, with the mix of excitement, alcohol, and drugs, legal and not, some people do succumb and pass out, if they do not manage their intake. That could have been Scott’s assumption, but that is unclear. Directly below the original post, is a video response by user @CherlyBonilla. She posted a video of Scott asking security for help, clearly showing his concern for the individual, which the first video does not include.
— cherliess (@CherlyBonilla) November 6, 2021
Many critics have yet to allude to the response video, showing Scott distinctly asking for help. People have gone as far as saying that Scott may have contributed to the mismanagement of the crisis. An attendee cited Scott, among others, including Drake, in a new lawsuit.
Fans, who called Scott’s reaction poor, recently took to social media to post videos of other performers in similar, but drastically different scenarios. They claim he had the power to do more, but did not. The videos are below.
Fans In Need Warrent Billie Eilish’s Response
Billie Eilish stopped her performance to ensure fans’ safety at a live show. A fan published the video on TikTok. The footage depicts a concert in Stockholm from 2018. Eilish actually tosses a water bottle out to the crowd — to a fan in need of help.
@mads_panlive music is a sanctuary; safety is the foundation.♬ original sound – mp
Dave Grohl And Playboi Cardi Respond To Fans In Need
A Twitter user, @Todd_Spence, posted a video of the Foo Fighters mid-show. A kid, who is being described as autistic, needed help. The front man, Dave Grohl, reacted in the moment. He asks security to find the kid, and his family, a new seat. The user says that Grohl went above and beyond to ensure the safety of his fans. In response, another user, @vlonefrost, posted a video of Scott doing what seems to be a very similar act. He posted it to the thread of the original Grohl video. Scott may not have reacted to the degree of Grohl, but Scott did make an effort, in that moment.
Damn it’s almost like Travis didn’t do the same thing 🤔🤔. But anyway at the first sign of any casualty the Venu staff should’ve shut everything down and had an appropriate response to the situation. pic.twitter.com/UQBptJ9IHi
— Doctor Dre🌬🇭🇹 (@vlonefrost) November 7, 2021
In the same thread, yet another Twitter user, @Raulviolii, added to the conversation. The user said Scott may have responded in the right way, in that particular moment. But @Raulviolii went on to say unfortunately Scott’s overall behavior, for the entirety of the night, overshadowed the moment. In which user, @vlonefrost, responded with a video of another artist, Playboi Cardi. In that footage, Cardi works with security to deescalate an issue during his performance.
He paused when he saw people. But you can’t gauge the severity from the stage. As soon as they saw a casualty the Venu should’ve responded like this but they did not; pic.twitter.com/UxYzZeEkyS
— Doctor Dre🌬🇭🇹 (@vlonefrost) November 7, 2021
The Need For Crisis Management Teams
All of the above instances show the need for performers to be more in tune with their fans. If they see distress, it is important to alert the necessary individuals who can handle the situation. But it is clearly a matter of crisis management. For Michael Jackson, the team, the security, the protocols in place were all on another level. They all knew their roles, but they also knew what to expect. It was not uncommon for fans to faint, pass out, and more, at Michael Jackson concerts. So the venues, and all personnel involved all knew how to handle all situations.
In the end, it’s about preparation. It’s about having the protocols in place for any situation that may arise.
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