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Canadian rapper Tory Lanez has been sentenced to 10 years in prison by a US judge for shooting and injuring hip-hop artist Megan Thee Stallion. Lanez, who was convicted in December of assault, possession of an unregistered firearm, and discharging a firearm with gross negligence, received the sentence from Los Angeles Superior Court Judge David Herriford. The trial sparked discussions on various topics, including gender politics in hip-hop and the treatment of Black women. Megan Thee Stallion, who required surgery to remove bullet fragments, stated that she has not experienced peace since the incident and will never be the same. CBC reported
Canadian rapper Tory Lanez has been sentenced to 10 years in prison by a U.S. judge for shooting and injuring hip-hop superstar Megan Thee Stallion. The sentencing, delivered by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge David Herriford, comes after Lanez was convicted in December of three felonies: assault with a semi-automatic firearm, having a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle, and discharging a firearm with gross negligence. This highly publicized trial sparked intense discussions within the hip-hop community, addressing issues such as the reluctance of Black victims to engage with the police, gender dynamics in hip-hop, online toxicity, the protection of Black women, and the harmful effects of misogynoir. During the sentencing hearing, Judge Herriford noted the difficulty in reconciling Lanez’s positive reputation as a kind and charitable person and a good father with his actions of firing a gun at Megan. He emphasized that actions have consequences and that no one emerged as a winner in this case.
Megan testified that Lanez shot at the back of her feet and demanded that she dance as she walked away from an SUV they were in after leaving a pool party at Kylie Jenner’s residence in Hollywood Hills in July 2020. Megan required surgery to remove bullet fragments and expressed in a statement that she has not experienced a single day of peace since the incident. She stated that while she is healing, she will never be the same.
Prior to sentencing, Lanez requested leniency from Judge Herriford, asking for either probation or a minimal prison sentence. He expressed regret for his actions and claimed that Megan was his friend, someone he still cares for. Lanez’s father, Sonstar Peterson, also spoke in court, discussing the impact of Lanez’s mother’s death when he was a child and how music became his outlet. Several individuals, including Lanez’s son’s mother and rapper Iggy Azalea, provided character references and letters to the judge, highlighting Lanez’s charitable acts and requesting a transformative rather than life-destroying sentence.
Lanez’s family and supporters filled the courtroom throughout the trial, asserting that his prosecution was unjust and influenced by Megan and powerful figures in the music industry. Following the verdict in December, Lanez’s father criticized the system that led to his son’s conviction, though he apologized for his outburst in court on Monday. Lanez has been in custody since his conviction and has led daily prayer groups in jail, according to a chaplain.
Lanez’s defense lawyers filed a motion for a new trial on May 9, which was denied by Judge Herriford. The lawyers argued that there was insufficient evidence to convict Lanez and that some of the evidence presented to the jury should not have been allowed. They also disputed Megan’s testimony regarding Lanez’s plea for her not to involve the police, claiming it was false and an improper allowance of prior bad acts. Furthermore, they criticized the DNA evidence used by the prosecution, stating that it fell short of industry standards. Lanez’s legal team plans to appeal the conviction.
Judge Herriford acknowledged Megan as a vulnerable victim, considering the permanent physical and emotional scarring she endured. The sentencing reflects the severity of Lanez’s actions, highlighting the importance of accountability and consequences for one’s actions..
