Tory Lanez appeared in court for the first day of his criminal trial in connection with the alleged shooting of Megan Thee Stallion.
Prosecutors claimed during Monday’s opening statements that Tory fired five shots during the July 12, 2020 incident, striking Megan in the feet. According to TMZ, the argument erupted after Megan mocked Tory’s abilities by referring to him as a “beautiful artist.”
This occurred as the two exited Kylie Jenner’s pool party in an SUV alongside Megan’s friend Kelsey Harris and Lanez’s bodyguard.
“Dance, babe. “That’s what the defendant said while firing five rounds at the victim with an automatic weapon,” Deputy District Attorney Alexander Bott told the jury.
The prosecution presented photos of Megan’s injuries as well as text messages in which Tory admitted to being “too drunk” and apologized to Megan. In one text, he allegedly wrote, “I genuinely want u to know I’m sorry from the bottom of my heart.”
Bott also displayed messages sent by Kelsey to Megan’s bodyguard, which read, “Help Tory shot Meg 911.”
"Dance, bitch. That's what the defendant said as he shot five rounds at the victim with a automatic firearm," Bott told the jury.
Lanez's lawyer will finish his opening statement when court resumes at 1:30 p.m.
Full story coming soon, @LawCrimeNews.— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) December 12, 2022
The defense argued that the case is about “jealousy,” implying that Megan got into the fight because she was jealous of Kylie Jenner. Lanez’s attorney, George Mgdesyan, also suggested that Kelsey was the shooter and that she was enraged because Megan had a history of stealing her boyfriends.
In 2nd half of closing, Mgdesyan said Lanez wasn't apologizing for shooting in jail call
He apologized to Harris for "cheating on her" … "having a sexual relationship with both of them," atty said
Lawyer said DNA, fingerprints not run for Harris on gun, so "we'll never know"
— Nancy Dillon (@Nancy__Dillon) December 12, 2022
The defense claimed in the second half of closing that Lanez did not apologize for the shooting, but rather for “cheating on her” and “having a sexual relationship with both of them.”
Gunshot residues were found in both Kelsey and Lanez. Kelsey’s DNA and fingerprints were not run on the gun.
Good morning from the criminal courts building in downtown L.A., where opening statements are due to begin soon in Tory Lanez’s felony assault trial.
Lanez is accused of shooting at Megan Thee Stallion, wounding her in both feet, after shouting “Dance, bitch” in July 2020. 🧵 pic.twitter.com/dbdmsI9gYm
— Nancy Dillon (@Nancy__Dillon) December 12, 2022
Megan and Kelsey will testify, but it’s unclear whether Tory will. Cory Gamble is also expected to testify during the trial, which will last 5-7 days.
Tory and his five-year-old son arrived at the Los Angeles courthouse hand in hand. He faces nearly 23 years in prison if convicted of shooting the “Savage” rapper.
Here’s my video for @LawCrimeNews of Tory Lanez @torylanez walking into the criminal courthouse in Los Angeles today for trial. He is accused of shooting Megan @TheeStallion. pic.twitter.com/mJw5pXoJqb
— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) December 12, 2022
