Tory Lanez, the Canadian rap artist, has been sentenced to a decade behind bars subsequent to his conviction for the 2020 shooting of hip-hop sensation Megan Thee Stallion. The incident took place following their departure from a Los Angeles party, and the legal proceedings, which commenced on Monday and concluded on Tuesday, brought to a close a high-profile case that highlighted the disturbing mistreatment faced by Black women when reporting instances of abuse.
Tory Lanez, whose birth name is Daystar Peterson, was found guilty of shooting Megan Thee Stallion, the acclaimed Grammy laureate known as Megan Pete, in the foot outside a gathering hosted by reality TV star and makeup mogul Kylie Jenner at her Hollywood Hills residence on July 12, 2020.
Lanez, aged 31, had initially pleaded not guilty, but a jury’s decision in December saw him convicted on three felony counts: assault with a semi-automatic firearm, possession of a loaded and unregistered firearm in a vehicle, and reckless discharge of a firearm.
Cloaked in an orange jumpsuit, Lanez directed a statement to the court prior to the judge’s pronouncement of the sentence. He expressed remorse for his actions and took full ownership of his role in the 2020 incident, acknowledging, “If I could change it, I would, but I can’t.” He further asserted his commitment to personal growth, stating, “I truly am just trying to be a better person.”
Upon learning of the verdict, Lanez displayed astonishment but chose to remain silent. Meanwhile, his son’s mother was overcome with tears as she was escorted out of the courtroom.
In response to the sentence, Matthew Barhoma, a member of Lanez’s legal team, revealed intentions to launch appeals against both the conviction and the severity of the sentence. Barhoma added that bail applications would also be filed in conjunction with the appeal process.
Presiding over the proceedings, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge David Herriford underscored the perplexing dissonance between the image of Lanez as a caring father and dedicated philanthropist and the individual who had fired multiple shots at Megan. Judge Herriford remarked, “Sometimes good people do bad things… Actions have consequences, and there are no winners in this case.”
Deputy District Attorney Alex Bott emphasized the additional emotional toll Lanez had imposed on Megan by dismissing her credibility, intimidating her, and subjecting her to harassment. Bott declared, “Not only did the defendant do the heinous act of shooting her; he then subjected her to 2 ½ years of hell,” as he commented on the aftermath of the sentencing.
