Title: Canadian Rapper Tory Lanez Faces 13-Year Prison Sentence for Shooting Megan Thee Stallion
Subtitle: Megan calls for a strong sentence, citing emotional suffering caused by Lanez’s actions
Los Angeles, CA – Canadian rapper Tory Lanez could be sentenced to 13 years in prison after being found guilty of shooting fellow hip-hop star Megan Thee Stallion in the feet in July 2020. Prosecutors have requested this lengthy prison term, while the sentencing hearing is set to continue on Tuesday.
During a hearing at Los Angeles County Superior Court on Monday, Megan, whose legal name is Megan Pete, delivered a written statement calling for a stiff sentence for Lanez. She emphasized that since the incident, she has not experienced a single day of peace, citing emotional suffering caused by his “heinous” actions, including writing social media posts that incited online attacks against her.
Lanez, whose legal name is Daystar Peterson, was convicted of three felonies, including assault with a semiautomatic firearm, having a loaded and unregistered firearm in a vehicle, and discharging a firearm with gross negligence. Lanez’s lawyers had requested probation instead of a long prison term and argued that he would benefit from a residential drug treatment program due to his psychological and childhood trauma. The court received 76 letters in support of Lanez, including a handwritten one from his 6-year-old son.
Despite Lanez’s lack of remorse, Judge David Herriford stated that it would not be a factor in his decision, as the defendant has a right to maintain his innocence. Lanez could face a maximum sentence of 22 years and eight months, in addition to potential deportation to Canada.
The shooting incident occurred on July 12, 2020, following a gathering at the Hollywood Hills home of reality star Kylie Jenner. Lanez fired several shots at Megan after she exited the vehicle following a fight. Megan, who initially remained silent about her assailant, later disclosed on Instagram that she had suffered gunshot wounds, with speculation increasingly pointing to Lanez as the perpetrator.
The shooting and subsequent trial ignited intense speculation and divided opinions on social media and within the hip-hop industry. Several prominent rappers questioned Megan’s account, while others raised concerns about how Black female survivors are treated by the legal system and the media.
Megan, whose career has been on the rise, released a statement through Elle magazine in April, stating that she viewed herself as a survivor and overcame the public humiliation caused by Lanez. Earlier this year, Lanez maintained his innocence in an Instagram post, claiming he was “wrongfully convicted” and denied a fair trial.
Both Lanez and Megan have achieved success within their respective careers. Lanez has released numerous mixtapes since 2009 and had a few minor hits. Megan Thee Stallion, on the other hand, won three Grammy Awards in 2021 and topped the charts with her hit songs “Savage” and “WAP.”
The sentencing hearing will resume on Tuesday, where the judge will consider the arguments presented by both the prosecution and the defense.
Representatives for Lanez and Megan were not available for comment at the time of reporting.
Source: The Washington Post