Sponsored message
Logged in as
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Subscribe
  • Listen Now Playing Listen
Arts & Entertainment

LA Rapper Drakeo The Ruler's Family Seeks $20 Million In Wrongful Death Suit

Drakeo The Ruler is smiling widely, holding up a pile of thick platinum chains that hand around his neck. Other people mill about next to him and behind him.
Drakeo the Ruler at Saweetie's Freaknik Birthday Party at Guys Sound Stage in West Hollywood on Jul. 2, 2021
(
Walik Goshorn
/
MediaPunch
)

One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.

The family of Drakeo the Ruler is filing a wrongful death lawsuit against Live Nation and the promoters of the Once Upon a Time in LA Festival … claiming there was a lack of security at the event.

The rapper, whose real name is Darrell Caldwell, was fatally stabbed backstage during the December 18th music festival. Tianna Purdue, the mother of Drakeo's son, says she keeps thinking about how many times she has to tell him that he can't see his dad anymore.

"It just sucks for Caiden because he's only five, and his dad's life was [taken] away from him. He's not going to be able to grow up with his dad anymore. He was ripped away from all opportunities that he had with his dad," Purdue said.

She questions how so many people were able to get backstage that night. "It just doesn't make sense. How did these people get through?" Purdue said.

The lawyers representing the family say they're seeking at minimum $20 million in damages.

Live Nation did not immediately respond to KPCC's request for comment.

A statement from Once Upon a Time says: "The festival is continuing to support local authorities in their investigation as they pursue the facts."

Sponsored message

One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.

You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.

If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

Make your tax-deductible donation today