Drakeo The Ruler‘s brother Ralfy The Plug and several members of the Stinc Team collective filed a lawsuit against Live Nation over the “mob attack” that took place during the Once Upon a Time in LA music festival, which resulted in the rapper’s death and “severe physical and emotional harm.”
According to Rolling Stone, the lawsuit states that the likes of Live Nation, C3 Presents, Bobby Dee Presents, Snoop Dogg’s LLC and more should be held liable because of their lax security protocols. “[C]aravans of multiple vehicles” were supposedly allowed to enter the backstage VIP area without getting evaluated while Drakeo the Ruler’s group was eventually targeted by an “ongoing mob attack that lasted up to 15 minutes” without security attempting to stop the commotion.
Ralfy the Plug, real name Devante Caldwell, was allegedly right next to his brother when Kevin Gomez and Jorky Peralta, members of Stinc Team, were attacked by around 20 people. The attack turned into a bigger situation when 50 to 100 people “engulfed” Drakeo the Ruler and his group for “up to 10 minutes.” Fellow Stinc Team members Jerome Watkins and Terrence Hackett were also “mercilessly” assaulted during the “brutal” attack that was caught on video. “Drakeo and his group fought for their lives against insurmountable odds, shocked and horrified at the fact that no security ever materialized to intervene,” lawyer Kellen Davis stated.
“As the violence continued, several members of the mob produced knives, at which point their punches changed into lunges in attempts to stab Drakeo and plaintiffs while they desperately tried to avoid the blades,” the lawsuit claimed. “While (the plaintiffs) defended themselves bravely, the attack continued relentlessly until one of the assailants struck Drakeo in the neck with what turned out to be a fatal knife wound. Plaintiff Devante Caldwell was shoulder to shoulder with his brother and best friend Drakeo, and witnessed the blow from inches away when it was delivered.”
The lawsuit further read:
“Plaintiffs and Drakeo continued to defend themselves and blocked more knife lunges, but Drakeo rapidly lost strength as he quickly suffered tremendous blood loss. Devante remained at his side while he deteriorated and Devante, plaintiff Calvin Webb, and others used all of their strength to try to carry Drakeo to a place of safety — tragically, there was none.”
“When the attackers disappeared into anonymity, as no security stopped them and their identities were never verified, plaintiffs’ full attention went to trying to save Drakeo. Devante and others, seriously injured themselves, scrambled to place pressure on the wound, using their own hands and clothing, but the wound was too severe, and the blood kept rushing out. Drakeo eventually lost consciousness before their eyes.”
“Because of the chaos and lack of adequate safety measures, it took up to 30 minutes for emergency personnel to reach Drakeo as he clung to life while his brother and friends were helpless to alleviate his suffering.”
Elsewhere in music, Tyler, the Creator’s CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST is now gold.
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