Travis Scott has spoken about his desire to help the city of Houston heal following the tragic events at the 2021 Astroworld Festival.
The rapper, whose real name is Jacques Webster II, addressed the issue in an interview with Rolling Stone published on Wednesday, reflecting on the crowd crush that occurred at NRG Park in November 2021, which claimed the lives of 10 people and left many others injured.
Looking back, Travis Scott said the festival was originally meant to be a joyful experience for his hometown, but it ended in heartbreak.
“When I did that festival, I was trying to bring something to where I’m from, and when you look back, it’s like a time that was supposed to be so enjoyable just went wrong,” he said. “I would love to heal that in the city. But I would also want people to be receptive. I don’t want to force a reception.”
The Sicko Mode hitmaker also opened up about how the tragedy has shaped public perception of him, suggesting that many people now have a distorted view of who he truly is.
“Sometimes when I read or even hear about some of the stuff that people write, I don’t even know if they believe it,” the 34-year-old said. “I think there’s always been this distorted view of what I am. And it’s my responsibility just to keep showing what it really is.”
Following the incident, Travis Scott, Live Nation, and other parties were hit with multiple lawsuits alleging negligence and failure to ensure the safety of concertgoers. In June 2023, however, a grand jury declined to bring criminal charges against the rapper and others involved.
While several civil cases have been filed, at least two lawsuits have reportedly been settled since 2022, though the terms and damages were not made public.
Despite the lingering controversy, Travis Scott says his focus remains on accountability, growth, and eventually finding a way to help his city move forward.
