(Image Source: CNN)

BY ELIZABETH RINEHART

ANCHOR LAUREN ZIMA

A civil suit in Indiana centers on whether country duo Sugarland was responsible for this:

"Seven were killed, 40 others were injured when a storm toppled over scaffolding shortly before the band was due to perform."(Source: WGN)

Several people who survived the stage collapse teamed up with families of those who were killed to file a suit against the band and 13 other parties.

Now— Sugarland has issued this 40-page response— which says the collapse was due to an Act of God and that the stage was not built specifically for band’s show.

But WSBT has the part of the response that’s grabbing headlines.

"The band even places some of the blame on the fans who were there for the show that night- 'Some or all of the Plaintiffs knowingly and voluntarily assumed and/or incurred the risk of injury to themselves.’”

Here’s a taste of the media response—

“Sugarland Lawyers Blame Fans for Stage Collapse Injuries” (Source: Rolling Stone)

“Sugarland blames fans for deaths...” (Source: Cincinnati.com)

And E! News responds this way — 

“Blaming the victims? Not the best way to endear yourselves to fans, Sugarland. However, the band has since released a statement clarifying their response.”

That response? — the fans are quote “the single most important thing” to Sugarland. But Entertainment Weekly reports — regardless of whether the band is blaming fans...

“The main issue at stake is whether Sugarland was asked to delay the show, and whether they subsequently complied or failed to do so.”

A lawyer representing those behind the civil suit explains that issue to WRTV.

“At least twice, Sugarland was asked if they would cancel the concert. They didn't. Why? Because they were more concerned with getting to their next show. So instead of protecting their fans, they were more concerned with getting to their next show and getting their paycheck.”

The band’s manager denies that Sugarland was ever asked to cancel the concert.  Lawyers for the band are seeking a jury trial.