On August 8th, a significant development occurred as Tory Lanez received a 10-year prison sentence due to his involvement in the 2020 shooting incident involving Megan Thee Stallion. This conclusion marked the end of a complex and contentious journey spanning three years, during which the case unfolded both on social media and within the courtroom.
The incident traces back to July 12, 2020, following a pool party hosted at Kylie Jenner’s residence. As per reports, a heated argument ensued within a Black SUV that carried Megan Thee Stallion, Kelsey Harris, Tory Lanez (known as Daystar Peterson), and his security personnel. Following Megan Thee Stallion’s exit from the vehicle in the Hollywood Hills, it’s been reported that the Canadian artist fired a gun, resulting in her sustaining foot injuries from bullet fragments.
Tory spoke for several minutes. He said he still cares about Megan. He called her "someone I still care for dearly to this day" regardless of what she may think of him.
He said "the victim's my friend." He talked about bonding with her over the loss of their mothers.— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) August 8, 2023
Initially, prosecutors had pursued a 13-year prison term for Lanez. They strongly criticized his alleged campaign of spreading misinformation after the shooting, aimed at tarnishing Thee Stallion’s image. Conversely, the musician behind “Jerry Sprunger” had requested probation and residential drug treatment as part of his defense strategy earlier this month. This move was rooted in his struggle with alcoholism stemming from childhood trauma.
Significantly, Lanez steadfastly maintained his innocence throughout the process, and his father even suggested that Thee Stallion’s management at Roc Nation had intentions of framing him. However, Thee Stallion consistently refuted Lanez’s claims, including any suggestion of a romantic connection between them. She courageously testified, revealing her initial hesitation to step forward due to feelings of fear and embarrassment.
In December 2022, the jury delivered a guilty verdict for Lanez on three counts: assault involving a semi-automatic firearm, possession of a loaded and unregistered firearm in a vehicle, and negligent discharge of a firearm.
Initially scheduled for January 2nd, the rapper’s sentencing date was later postponed to February 28th due to a change in his legal representation. Further delays occurred after Lanez pursued a motion for a new trial.
Megan Thee Stallion shared her perspective in an interview with ELLE, stating, “I see myself as a survivor because I’ve truly overcome the unimaginable. Not only did I survive being shot by someone I trusted and considered a close friend, but I also managed to conquer the public humiliation of having my name and reputation dragged through the mud by that individual for the entire world to witness.”
