TRAVIS Scott has come under fire for offering Astroworld fans therapy sessionswhich have been labelled a "scam" by Reddit users after he announced a partnership with BetterHelp.
The rapper announced he would pay for the funeral costs of the eight dead and told fans he would offer free mental health services via the app.
But that sparked condemnation online after some questioned whether Scott was being paid for the partnership.
The Sun has contacted BetterHelp for clarification on whether this is the case.
Scott’s record label, Cactus Jack, is said to be covering the costs of the one month therapy.
'INADEQUATE'
Online social media users called the offer "offensive", "sickening" and "inadequate".
Other questioned if the online therapy platform is adequate trauma treatment.
Activist Wagatwe Wanjuki tweeted: "Betterhelp is not adequate trauma treatment, it pays therapists like s***, and they collect data. And one month is nothing."
YouTuber Anthony Fantano said: "Did we just go from a tragedy to a BetterHelp brand partnership?"
Another mocked Scott, writing: "Hi, I'm Travis Scott and I'm largely responsible for the death of 8 people and trauma of the thousands."
Read our Travis Scott Astroworld Festival live blog for the very latest news and updates…
"That's why this month I'm partnering with BetterHelp so they can sell your information to a 3rd parties to target you with ads hoping you spend money when you're depressed," the mocking tweet added.
BetterHelp has not returned The Sun's request for comment.
PROFITING FROM THE APP
In October 2018 The Atlantic reported on accusations that YouTubers were profiting from promoting the app.
It reported that some users had complained of being charged excessive fees" likely due to them not being aware the company would charge upfront for a full annual fee with counsellors branded "unresponsive and unhelpful."
BetterHelp CEO Alon Matas said then: "We have a whole team that makes sure every provider we bring to the platform is fully licensed and in good standing."
Scott's statement had said: "As part of the emotional support efforts, BetterHelp, in conjunction with Travis, will be offering free one-on-one sessions with a licensed therapist for those who sign up
“Travis is grateful to be working alongside BetterHelp, a renowned mental health service provider and to be able to quickly provide this fundamental care and support. Further relief efforts to be announced in the coming days and weeks.”
The family of one victim is suing Travis Scott and Live Nation for $20million for the injuries she sustained.
Bharti Shahani, 22, is in critical condition and breathing through a ventilator with her parents asking people to keep their daughter in their prayers.
The lawsuit Bharti’s family filed against Travis and Live Nation accuses the defendants of negligence, gross negligence, and vicarious liability.
SCOTT SUED
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump on Tuesday announced he will file a lawsuit on behalf of the father a nine-year-old boy who was catastrophically injured at the festival.
The lawsuit names Scoremore Mgmt, Live Nation Entertainment, Travis Scott, Cactus Jack Records, and others as defendants. It alleges negligence in areas including crowd control and medical attention.
At least eight people died following the stampede. The youngest victim was identified as John Hilgert.
In a statement, Travis said he was “absolutely devastated” by the events that took place.
“My prayers go out to the families and all those impacted by what happened at Astroworld Festival."
Around 50,000 fans arrived for the first night of the sold-out, two-day event.
According to Texas officials, the crowd began to "compress towards the front of the stage" at around 9.15pm, sparking panic.
MASS CASUALTY EVENT
A "mass casualty incident" was declared minutes later at 9:38pm.
It emerged that Travis played for more than 30 minutes after the mass casualty announcement.
The New York Times and The Houston Chronicle report that Travis was still on stage at 10:15pm.
He had briefly stopped the show at 9:42pm, calling for help for a concertgoer who had passed out. He then resumed the show, Insider reports.
Houston Police Executive Assistant Chief Larry Satterwhite said the tragedy "all happened all at once".
He said: "It seemed like it just happened… over the course of just a few minutes.
"Suddenly we had several people down on the ground, experiencing some type of cardiac arrest or some type of medical episode."
Kylie Jenner, Travis' girlfriend, reacted to the tragedy on Instagram, claiming she did not know people had died at the concert until after the show.
Meanwhile, Kendall Jenner says she's been left "truly broken" following the stampede.
Kourtney Kardashian was slammed for promoting her lifestyle website Poosh on Instagram just hours after the incident occurred.
We pay for your stories!
Do you have a story for The US Sun team?
Email us at [email protected] or call 212 416 4552.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheSunUS and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunUS
Source: Read Full Article