Tory Lanez,the Grammy-nominated rapper whose real name is Daystar Peterson, has been handed a 10-year prison sentence for the shooting and injuring of hip-hop sensation Megan Thee Stallion.
This verdict comes after Lanez was found guilty on December 23, 2022, facing a potential 22-year and 8-month prison term. The incident occurred in July 2020 when Lanez shot and wounded Megan Thee Stallion.
Initially slated for sentencing in January, the process was repeatedly postponed due to Lanez’s legal maneuvering. Despite Lanez’s attempt to secure a new trial, his motion was dismissed in May.
During the trial, the defense presented various witnesses, including Lanez’s family members, who attested to his traumatic past and use of music as an outlet.
Raina Chassagne, mother of Lanez’s child, spoke on his behalf, urging leniency from the judge, while clinical psychologist Dr. Stephanie Herring argued that Lanez suffered from PTSD, anxiety, and substance abuse issues, advocating for treatment.
Prosecutors, however, painted a different picture, reading an impact statement from Megan Thee Stallion herself.
She asserted that Lanez needed to face the full consequences of his actions and called for justice. In her statement, she accused Lanez of not only shooting her but also attempting to tarnish her reputation through lies and manipulation on social media.
The Los Angeles District Attorney’s office pushed for a 13-year sentence, pointing to Lanez’s callousness in the incident.
The sentencing followed Judge David Herriford’s denial of Lanez’s request for a new trial, and he was found guilty on three charges related to the shooting.
This case has sparked conversations about the treatment of women in society, particularly Black women, with Megan Thee Stallion’s account emphasizing the intersection of sexism and racism.
The Protect Black Women movement gained prominence as a result. Megan, who testified during the trial, shared her story in a May 2023 interview, highlighting her survival and strength in the face of adversity.
