What to Know
- Eight people were hospitalized after they were caught in the crush of a crowd at Hollywood and Highland in Hollywood
- Rapper Phora was making an appearance at the busy intersection
- None of the injuries were considered life-threatening
Several people were injured Monday night in a stampede at a crowded event for rapper Phora at the famous intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue in Hollywood, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Ten people were injured, eight of whom were hospitalized. Their injuries were not considered life-threatening, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Security was hired for the event, but the LAPD said the hired hands were unable to handle the crush of people that turned up outside the Shoe Palace to see the rapper originally from Anaheim, and police were asked to respond at 9:15 p.m.
Witnesses said the crowd rushed forward when Phora jumped on top of a car. The crowd started stampeding over people and injuries occurred as a result of the mayhem.
"I apologize to the LAPD. I apologize to the fans from the bottom of my heart," said Phora, whose real name is Marco Anthony Archer. "I think it's just because it was so hot, there were so many people. I'm claustrophobic myself... I'm about to pass out."
Newschopper4 Bravo flew over the scene and noted that Highland Avenue was temporarily shut down between Hollywood Boulevard and Yucca Street.
In addition to the LAPD, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene.
At approximately 10:15 p.m., Phora exited a business and was immediately mobbed by fans holding up camera phones. The rapper, who was not injured, left in a vehicle.
Fans started lining up early Monday morning outside the shoe store after the rapper posted a message on social media that he would be there for a giveaway.
"The love tonight was real. Over 6,000 people showed up in LA," Phora later tweeted. "We bought hundreds of shoes for people. And ended up getting shut down. I appreciate the love, thank you to the fans. Forever owe it to you."
