The now tragedy that is Astroworld has caused a domino effect of unfortunate for Travis Scott. Today, a message on the official Nike site reads clear, cut, and dry.
“Out of respect for everyone impacted by the tragic events at the Astroworld Festival, we are postponing the launch of the Air Max 1 x Cactus Jack.”
Nike Now One of Many
And so, Nike’s recent decision adds to the numerous hits Travis Scott is taking due to the unfolding of events at Astroworld.
The nature of the aftermath has led many to distance themselves. According to reports, both the Kardashian family and the Houston Rockets chose to part ways with Scott. In fact, a recent article in Vibe reads as thus,
“The Houston Rockets has decided to postpone their planned “Travis Scott Day” indefinitely, but instead use the night to honor victims with a moment of silence.”
What Happens in the Aftermath of Tragedy?
When outcomes are tragic, and death tolls are high, people look for answers and assignment of blame. And unfortunately, this tragedy has an unusually high rate of injury and death toll for such an event. According to yahoo.com
“In addition to the ten deceased victims, over 300 people were treated on-site for injuries, and at least 25 were hospitalized.”
And being that it was a Travis Scott concert, well, Scott is taking the hit whether fair or not.
Is Travis Scott Culpable?
According to Scott’s spokesperson, the blows that the artist is being hit with are crazy. As cbsnews.com reports, the former Baltimore mayor, Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, stated
“The idea that Scott could have halted the Astroworld music festival is “ludicrous.”
And the fact is Scott bears no legal culpability currently.
For as Yahoo news reports
“no one has been criminally charged in the incident though the investigation is ongoing,”
So there is a lot of truth behind the sentiments of the former mayor.
But when people need resolution or are eager to blame, reason and rationality do not always play a part.
Why Was The Decision Made?
Unfortunately, any display of support is indicative of picking the side. And no one desires to be on the wrong side of things. So, this rationalization often forms the backbone for decisions that brands like Nike make. In such cases, the sentiment might be, “better safe than sorry!”
Guilty Before Proven So.
However, sadly enough, being found guilty in a court of law and a court of public opinion is two different things. And so, it is a challenging thing that Scott will, for the moment, need to deal with.
But, despite the public scrutiny, Scott is doing what he can to take responsibility for what went down. And that takes guts.
Lessons Upon Lessons
So, as it stands, it is most essential to conclude that this is a learning experience. And hopefully, everyone is paying attention and taking good notes. Because when people know better, then hopefully they do better.
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Written by Renae Richardson
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To learn about other potential endorsements that Travis Scott stands to lose, read FM Hip Hop’s retrospective article!
