Rapper Travis Scott was arrested in Paris on August 9 following an altercation involving his bodyguard at the George V Hotel, according to multiple sources, including the Paris prosecutor’s office and TMZ.
Video footage obtained by TMZ shows Scott, whose real name is Jacques Bermon Webster II, being restrained by police inside the luxury hotel. The 33-year-old rapper is seen with his head bowed as three officers escort him out of the building. Scott is handcuffed and appears to be pushed down on his shoulders as he is guided towards a police car.
Several hours later, Scott was transported away from the hotel by ambulance, as reported in footage by TMZ. The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed the arrest in a statement to PEOPLE, noting that Scott was taken into custody shortly after 5 a.m. local time on August 9. According to French authorities, the arrest stemmed from an incident where Scott allegedly attacked a security guard who was intervening in a dispute between the rapper and his bodyguard.
In their statement, the Paris prosecutor’s office said, “I can confirm that on August 9, 2024, shortly after 5 a.m., the police were called to the George V Hotel and arrested the man nicknamed Travis Scott for assaulting a security guard. The guard had intervened to separate the rapper from his bodyguard. The 1st judicial police district is handling the investigation.”
A representative for Scott told PEOPLE, “We are in direct communication with the local Parisian authorities to swiftly resolve this matter and will provide updates when appropriate.”
Sources close to Scott indicate that he is expected to be released soon and that no injuries have been reported. These insiders also mentioned that Scott has not been formally charged with any offenses related to the incident. The source further elaborated that Scott’s arrest followed several days of intense media scrutiny, with paparazzi reportedly pursuing him both upon his arrival at the hotel and throughout his stay.
Earlier in the day on August 8, Scott was seen attending the Team USA basketball semifinal against Serbia at the Bercy Arena as part of the Paris 2024 Olympics. This appearance highlights the contrast between his public activities and the subsequent legal trouble.
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Scott’s recent arrest follows a prior incident in Miami on June 20, where he was briefly detained on charges of disorderly intoxication and trespassing after a warning. At the time, Scott’s attorney, Bradford Cohen, described the situation as a misunderstanding, emphasizing that there was no physical altercation involved. Cohen expressed gratitude to the authorities for their cooperation in resolving the matter quickly and amicably.
As Scott awaits further developments in his Paris case, his legal team and representatives are working to address the situation and mitigate any potential impacts on his career. The rapper, known for hits like “SICKO MODE” and “Highest in the Room,” continues to be a prominent figure in the music industry, and this incident marks a significant challenge amidst his ongoing professional activities.
