Lost at Sea: Travis Scott's Phone Poses Challenge in Lawsuit

Grammy-nominated rapper Travis Scott has found himself at the center of legal troubles once more as his missing phone, submerged in the Gulf of Mexico, becomes a focal point in the ongoing civil litigation surrounding the tragic 2021 Astroworld Festival. Ten people lost their lives, and thousands were injured during the event.

Travis Scott’s Astroworld Lawyers Are Unable To Retrieve Travis Scott’s Phone Records As His Attorney Says That Phone Fell Off A Boat Nearly 2 Years Ago & Is At The Bottom Of The Gulf Of Mexico. His Rep Releases A Statement #TravisScott pic.twitter.com/5oAHlmiI46

— Real1Of1TV (@Real1of1TV) September 21, 2023

Attorneys representing plaintiffs filed an "emergency motion to compel production" of Scott's phone and other electronic devices, according to Rolling Stone. During a hearing on September 15, Scott's attorney, Steve Brody, revealed that records from Scott's manager, David Stromberg, could be provided by September 27. However, retrieving Scott's phone proved challenging as it had "fallen off a boat in January of 2022 and landed somewhere at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico," Brody informed the judge, Kristen Hawkins. He also noted that they could not access messages from Apple or Scott's phone carrier because Scott had not backed up his phone to iCloud.

Travis Scott's phone ended up in the ocean during a stay in Mexico in January 2022, two months after the Astroworld Festival. Scott was in Cabo San Lucas on January 14, working on his album Utopia, as confirmed by his producer, Wheezy.

Scott's team had previously resisted efforts to obtain his phone, citing confidential information and an unreasonable request. Scott, along with others connected to the festival, faces a vast, multi-district litigation combining numerous individual lawsuits. The rapper was never charged by the police in connection with the festival's tragic events.

Scott's deposition, which lasted eight hours, occurred nearly two years after the Astroworld Festival tragedy in Houston. He answered questions as part of the civil lawsuits.

Ted Anastasiou, a spokesperson for Scott, expressed frustration with the continued media attention on the rapper despite his exoneration in government investigations, including one by the Houston Police Department. Anastasiou noted that Scott remains committed to his Utopia album tour and charitable work in at-risk communities.

Due to a gag order, the content of Scott's testimony remains confidential. The first trial for the lawsuits is scheduled for May 6, 2024, with more than 1,500 lawsuits filed against Scott and Live Nation, the concert promoter. The tragic festival resulted in eight immediate deaths and two additional deaths in the hospital due to crowd-related injuries.

Scott's performance at the Astroworld Festival preceded the crowd surge and tragic deaths. On June 29, a Texas grand jury decided not to indict Scott or anyone associated with the concert on criminal charges.

Following the festival, Scott took a hiatus but returned with his album "Utopia" on July 28, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. It featured collaborations with artists like Drake, Beyoncé, The Weeknd, Bad Bunny, SZA, Future, and more. Scott is set to be questioned again in October after Stromberg's phone and messages have been reviewed.

Convicted Rapper Tory Lanez Heads to State Prison, New Mugshot Surfaces

Tory Lanez, whose legal name is Daystar Peterson, has transitioned from an inmate in a Los Angeles jail to a state prison, marking a significant development following his conviction on all three charges related to the 2020 shooting of Megan Thee Stallion. Deputies handcuffed Lanez in the courtroom after the jury delivered a guilty verdict.

Before this transfer, Lanez was held in a Los Angeles jail. However, he left the jail in Los Angeles yesterday for North Kern State Prison, situated about 35 miles north of Bakersfield.

This medium-security facility functions as a reception center for new inmates within California's state prison system. Lanez is expected to remain there for several months while awaiting assignment to a permanent location.

In a legal saga that spanned three years, Lanez received a 10-year prison sentence for his involvement in the case. The charges against him included the negligent discharge of a firearm, assault with a semiautomatic firearm and carrying a loaded and unregistered firearm.

This sentencing marked the conclusion of a lengthy legal and cultural ordeal involving Lanez and Megan Thee Stallion, who had been friends at the time of the shooting. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge David Herriford delivered the 31-year-old Lanez's sentence in December. He was convicted of three felonies: assault with a semiautomatic firearm, having a loaded and unregistered firearm in a vehicle and discharging a firearm with gross negligence.

During the trial, Megan testified that Lanez fired a gun at the back of her feet and told her to dance as she walked away from an SUV they had been traveling in, shortly after leaving a pool party at Kylie Jenner's residence. Megan underwent surgery to remove bullet fragments and identified Lanez as the shooter months after the incident.

In a statement read in court, Megan described the ongoing impact of the shooting, saying, "Since I was viciously shot by the defendant, I have not experienced a single day of peace. Slowly but surely, I'm healing and coming back, but I will never be the same."

Before the judge's sentencing, Lanez expressed remorse for his actions and requested either probation or a minimal prison sentence. He emphasized his continued care for Megan and accepted full responsibility for his actions that night.

Texas Southern University to Benefit from Megan Thee Stallion's $150,000 Scholarship Fund

Megan Thee Stallion, the Grammy-winning rapper, is heating up the education scene through a collaboration with the iconic snack brand Flamin' Hot by Frito-Lay.

Together, they're unveiling Flamin' Hot University, an innovative educational initiative that fuses spicy snacks with higher learning.

This isn't your typical campus partnership. According to a statement released about the joint endeavor on Tuesday, it's a remarkable philanthropic venture.

Megan Thee Stallion proudly endorses a unique collection of Flamin' Hot University merchandise. Curated by the acclaimed streetwear designer Melody Ehsani, this range features pieces like the Stallion Varsity Jacket and Hot Girl Club Sweater, promising to infuse bold style into collegiate wardrobes.

However, the heart of this collaboration lies in giving back. The proceeds from merchandise sales will contribute to a scholarship fund, potentially reaching up to $150,000. Who's the recipient of this fund? Texas Southern University (TSU), an HBCU located in Houston and the "Savage" emcee's cherished alma mater. The exclusive merchandise is available for purchase at MelodyEhsani.com. Aspiring TSU Tigers can find scholarship details here.

Ehsani, the creative genius behind the collection, exclaims, "Every piece in this collection embodies the spirit of Megan Thee Stallion and the fiery essence of Flamin' Hot snacks. I'm thrilled that we're creating bold and vibrant pieces while also giving back to the students at Texas Southern University."

But the philanthropic journey doesn't end there. Flamin' Hot is making a substantial contribution of $100,000 to the Pete and Thomas Foundation, a non-profit organization initiated by Megan in 2022. The foundation's mission? Empowering women, children, senior citizens, and underserved communities in Houston, Texas, and across the globe. Their recipe for success? Focusing on education, housing, and health and wellness. It's an initiative making a lasting impact.

She expressed her enthusiasm for this collaboration, stating, "Creating Flamin' Hot University has been an absolute delight, allowing me to blend my passion for food and fashion. But more importantly, I'm incredibly proud that we're supporting TSU students, establishing a significant scholarship fund, championing the Pete and Thomas Foundation, and highlighting the transformative power of education."