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Company halts sneaker rollout “out of respect for everyone impacted by the tragic events”

Nike has postponed the release of their Air Max 1 x Cactus Jack sneaker collaboration with Travis Scott. The news comes on the heels of the Astroworld tragedy claiming its 10th victim. Ezra Blount, a 9-year-old boy who was trampled at the concert, died from his injuries on Sunday. Hundreds of people were injured at the Houston fest on Nov. 5 following a massive crowd surge during Scott’s headlining set.

“Out of respect for everyone impacted by the tragic events at the Astroworld Festival, we are postponing the launch of the Air Max 1 x Cactus Jack,” the brand posted in an update on its SNKRS app on Monday. It’s unclear if and when the company might release it. The shoe was originally slated to arrive on Dec. 16.

Scott has become a multi-million dollar brand, with deals that span fashion to food — such as his upcoming spring/summer menswear collection partnership with design house Dior and a special meal offering at McDonald’s last year. There is also Scott’s collaboration with Fortnite, which pulled the “Out West” emote that featured a snippet of his song of the same name from the game’s item shop last week, as New York Post notes.

A little more than a week since the tragedy, multiple lawsuits have been filed against Scott and promoter Live Nation. Blount’s family is among those suing. Ex-employees from ScoreMore, a promoter of Astroworld alongside Live Nation, recently scrutinized the company for alleged disorganization, cost-cutting, and unprofessionalism.

Sade will not be attending their Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony this week.

The English group, made up of Sade Adu, Paul Denman, Stuart Matthewman, and Andrew Hale, are among this year's inductees into the prestigious institution. The ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles this Saturday.

However, a representative for Sade confirmed on Tuesday through the band's official website that none of the members would be attending the event.

"We're sorry that we won't be able to join everyone in person to celebrate alongside the other artists. However, our absence does not lessen how deeply this recognition means to us," they stated. "Being welcomed into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is a wonderful honour and a meaningful opportunity to express our gratitude, not just to everyone who voted for us, but to every person who has made our music part of their lives."

The representative also acknowledged their manager Roger Davies for his support and paid tribute to the late engineer and co-producer Mike Pela, who passed away in 2022.

"We owe so much to everyone who has supported us throughout this journey," they continued, before signing the message: "Sade, Stuart, Andrew, and Paul. Mike Pela, the fifth member of Sade... This recognition belongs to you just as much as it does to us, Mike. You will always be our soul mate."

Sade will be joining Oasis among the artists missing this year's ceremony. Liam Gallagher previously addressed his absence in a message on X, saying the journey was "too far" for him to make just "for the night".

The other musicians being recognised at this weekend's ceremony include Billy Idol, Phil Collins, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, the late Luther Vandross, and Wu-Tang Clan.

 
 
 
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