A Monday night giveaway organized by rapper Phora led to a stampede at Shoe Palace on Hollywood Boulevard.
Several people were reportedly trampled as the crowd rushed the venue. Paramedics evaluated 10 people for minor injuries at the scene, according to ABC, with eight of those apparently taken to local hospitals.
Phora encouraged fans to attend the giveaway to drum up interest in his new album and tour. “New shoes for anyone who needs them and giving away a bunch of FREE YT/Love Is Hell shirts to whoever comes,” he wrote in a post on Sunday.
Later, Phora tweeted an ABC report on the incident. “I’m so sorry,” he told the broadcaster. “I personally took someone to the hospital myself. It’s super hectic out here tonight. I appreciate the fans, I appreciate the love.”
The California rapper starts a national jaunt this Wednesday night at Seattle’s Showbox in support of his new album release, Love Is Hell.
