Chaos and Controversy Surround Travis Scott’s Concert in Rome

Concert Incident Overview

• Over 60 individuals sustained injuries due to a pepper spray incident at Travis Scott’s concert in Rome.
• Approximately 60,000-70,000 fans attended the event to witness the rapper’s “Utopia” album performance.
• A surprise appearance by Kanye West sent the crowd into a frenzy.
• A 14-year-old boy was injured after falling from a height while trying to view the show.

Pepper Spray Chaos

According to various reports, during Scott’s performance at the historical Circus Maximus, an unidentified individual sprayed the crowd with pepper spray. Social media footage showcased a group of concertgoers hastily evacuating the area, with some taking refuge on a nearby hill. While many appeared distressed, others seemed oblivious to the disturbance as the show went on.

CNN and other news outlets highlighted that about 60 people required medical assistance following the incident. The Roman official, Alessandro Onorato, shared a different perspective, suggesting that the incident was a failed robbery attempt at a bar within the venue. He stated that the perpetrators tried to rob the cashier using pepper spray but were thwarted by security. The residual cloud affected the surrounding audience.

Concerns over Venue Suitability

The Circus Maximus, known for its ancient Roman chariot races, faced criticism for hosting such an electrifying event. With the energetic crowd causing the ground to shake, nearby Romans took to social media, questioning if an earthquake was occurring. The Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Vulcanology confirmed that the vibrations from the concert were equivalent to “a magnitude 1.3 earthquake at each jump.”

Alfonsina Russo, an archaeologist overseeing the nearby Archeological Park of the Coliseum, expressed concerns over the venue choice. Stressing the historical importance and sensitivity of the site, she proposed that more delicate performances, like opera and ballet, should be hosted there, relegating rock concerts to modern stadiums.

Past Controversies Linked to Travis Scott

• The Rome concert follows a series of controversial events associated with Travis Scott.
• Astroworld Festival in 2021, held in Houston, witnessed a devastating crowd crush resulting in 10 deaths and hundreds of injuries.
• A planned performance at the Giza Pyramids in Egypt was canceled due to permit issues.

Scott has been known to incite crowd fervor at his shows, an attribute fans fondly term as “Sicko Mode” – named after one of his songs. The Astroworld disaster saw fans bypassing security protocols, indicating the extent of enthusiasm and sometimes chaos that surrounds his events.

Official Statements and Reactions

Despite the media frenzy, Rome’s government officials tried to downplay the chaos. Onorato criticized the exaggerated media portrayal and emphasized that, aside from the pepper spray incident, the concert went off without major hitches. He also stressed the economic benefits of hosting such large-scale events at the Circus Maximus, countering the criticisms regarding the venue choice.

The narrative surrounding the suitability of such events at historical sites isn’t limited to safety concerns. Onorato suggested that objections might be linked to the type of music and demographic of the audience rather than genuine safety threats.

The debate over hosting contemporary concerts at historical sites continues, with arguments both for the preservation of heritage and for the need to cater to newer generations.

The Hollywood Reporter has attempted to get a statement from Travis Scott’s representatives but hasn’t received any response as of now.