Rapper Tory Lanez Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Shooting Megan Thee Stallion
Los Angeles, CA – Rapper Tory Lanez, whose legal name is Daystar Peterson, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for shooting and injuring hip-hop star Megan Thee Stallion in July 2020. Lanez, 31, was convicted on December 23, 2022, but the sentencing has been delayed multiple times due to Lanez obtaining new attorneys and filing a motion for a new trial, which was denied in May.
During the hearing that took place on Monday and lasted until Tuesday, Lanez’s defense called various witnesses, including members of his family. His father, Sonstar Peterson, delivered an emotional appeal to the judge, describing the trauma Lanez experienced following his mother’s early death and how music became his outlet. Raina Chassagne, the mother of Lanez’s son, testified that he is a supportive father and asked the judge for leniency to break the generational curse of Black fathers being imprisoned away from their children. Dr. Stephanie Herring, a clinical psychologist at a treatment facility, stated that Lanez suffers from PTSD, anxiety, and a substance abuse disorder and requires treatment.
On the other hand, prosecutors read an impact statement from Megan Thee Stallion, who called for Lanez to face the full consequences of his actions. In her statement, she accused Lanez of perpetuating the trauma by making a mockery of her experience, spreading false information about the case on social media, and releasing music videos and songs to damage her character.
Lanez was found guilty of three charges: assault with a semi-automatic firearm, carrying a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle, and discharging a firearm with gross negligence. These charges stemmed from an incident in the Hollywood Hills on July 12, 2020 when Lanez shot Megan Thee Stallion in both of her feet.
The sentencing follows the denial of Lanez’s request for a new trial by Superior Court of Los Angeles Judge David Herriford. Lanez had initially pleaded not guilty to all charges, with his defense attorneys arguing that he was not the shooter.
The Los Angeles District Attorney’s office had requested a 13-year sentence for Lanez, citing “circumstances of aggravation” and his “callousness.” Prosecutors contended that a new California law would default Lanez’s sentence to the middle term of his potential 22-year sentence, unless proven otherwise.
This case has sparked significant debate regarding the treatment of women in society. Megan Thee Stallion’s testimony and the subsequent public backlash she faced have shed light on the Protect Black Women movement, highlighting the intersectional battles Black women face against sexism and racism.
Following the trial, Megan Thee Stallion broke her silence about the shooting in an interview for her May 2023 Elle magazine cover story. She declared herself a survivor and expressed her resilience in overcoming the public humiliation she endured.
Lanez’s attorneys, Jose Baez and Matthew Barhoma, have not responded to media requests for comment on the sentencing. With Lanez facing up to 22 years and 8 months in prison, it remains unclear whether they will pursue an appeal.
As Lanez begins his prison sentence, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and justice for victims of violence, while also highlighting the ongoing struggle for equality and the eradication of violence against women.