The Hartford Courant reports that Meek Mill is allegedly being sued by the family of Travis Ward, one of the victims of of a shooting that left two people dead following the rapper’s Connecticut concert last year.
The incident took place Dec. 30 at the Toyota Oakdale Theatre, where Ward, 31, was fatally shot in the parking lot of the Wallingford facility. The New Haven resident was celebrating his birthday with family members when he attended the concert. In addition to Ward, 20-year-old Jaquan Graves was killed that night. Two others were injured, including Nathan Mitchell, who is a party named in the lawsuit.
Ward’s family is not only suing Meek Mill, but also the venue for their lax effort on the security front. No arrest has reportedly been made.
“The venue security was grossly understaffed and ill-equipped to deal with the hazardous environment presented by any Meek Mill concert,” said Joel Faxon, the family’s attorney. “A strong police presence was required. They were innocent bystanders who ended up in a war zone.”
Faxon also placed the blame on Meek Mill for his violent song content. “With song titles like ‘Body Count’ and ‘Oh Kill ‘Em’ [sic] that praise indiscriminate killing and mayhem, the potential for tragic incidents like this should have been properly anticipated and planned for by Meek Mill, his concert promoters and the Oakdale Theatre,” he added.
Ward’s family is seeking more than $15,000 in damages. Billboard has reached out to Meek Mill’s rep for comment.