Four more families who lost loved ones in the Astroworld festival tragedy have declined rapper Travis Scott's offer to cover funeral costs.
Relatives of the youngest victim, nine-year-old Ezra Blount, refused Scott's offer in a previously reported blistering response written by the family's lawyer; now Rolling Stone reports several more families are taking the same stance.
An investigation is underway after 10 were left dead by a crowd surge that took place during the festival held in Texas on November 5. Hundreds more were left injured and Scott, Live Nation and other parties associated with the event face millions in lawsuits.
Legal representatives for four families told Rolling Stone they would not consider Scott's offer, with some dubbing the move "demeaning" and "inappropriate" while questioning the hip-hop star's motivation.
Philip Corboy, the attorney for the families of 21-year-old friends Jacob Jurinek and Franco Patino, said it took them each "about three seconds" to say no to Scott.
"[They] realised quickly that all he was trying to do was trying to lessen the public outcry on his case," Corboy said.
"If he's trying to impress upon the families that he's sincere and has concern for them and realises that funerals can be expensive, what Scott's team did is not the way to do it.
"You don't get a piece of paper in the mail from a lawyer in Beverly Hills who says he represents Travis Scott. These families are raw right now; that lacks any personal touch."
Meanwhile, Richard Mithoff, attorney for the family of 14-year-old John Hilgert, said the family was more concerned about ensuring what happened at Astroworld is never repeated.
"It was not an offer [the Hilgerts] were going to seriously consider," Mithoff said.
"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. I find offering to pay for funerals frankly demeaning and really inappropriate to the magnitude of the tragedy that unfolded."
Tony Buzbee, who represents the family of 21-year-old Axel Acosta, called the move "bullshit", saying Scott should have taken responsibility for the incident rather than attempt to protect his reputation.
"If you gave a shit 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," he said.
"Let the families grieve and shut up, that's it. When something like this happens, there's not a whole lot someone like Travis Scott could do to assuage their pain.
"He says he feels sorry for them but he's quick to say it wasn't his fault. He's no different than any defendant pointing fingers to someone else. They don't want funeral expenses from him. Whatever we get from him we're going to get through the court system."
