LA jury convicts Tory Lanez of shooting Megan Thee Stallion
Tory Lanez was convicted of shooting Meghan Thee Stallion.
The ‘Luv’ hitmaker, who did not testify during his nine-day trial, was convicted by a jury in Los Angeles on Friday of all three charges, assault with a semiautomatic firearm, carrying a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle, and discharging a firearm with gross negligence, in relation to the July 2020 incident (23.12.22).
The 30-year-old rapper, whose actual name is Daystar Peterson, exhibited “no obvious reaction” as the verdict was read out, and he will be sentenced on January 27th, with the counts having a maximum term of 22 years and eight months in jail.
The verdict was hailed by Meghan’s attorneys.
“The jury got it right,” Alex Spiro told People magazine. “I am relieved that Meg has received justice.”
After the verdict, District Attorney George Gascón praised her.
“You showed incredible courage and vulnerability with your testimony despite repeated and grotesque attacks that you did not deserve,” Gascón said in a statement. “You faced unjust and despicable scrutiny that no woman should ever face.”
Tory Lanez’ lawyer alleged in his closing argument that the shots were actually fired by Megan’s then-best friend Kelsey Harris in a jealous fight over Tory Lanez, who tried to stop the shooting. The attorney, George Mgdesyan, argued Megan created a more sympathetic narrative by pinning the shooting on Lanez.
“Megan Pete is a liar. She lied about everything in this case from the beginning,” Mgdesyan said. “She lied under oath here.”
Following the decision, Los Angeles Country District Attorney George Gascón lauded the ‘Hot Girl Summer’ hitmaker.
“I want to start by praising Megan Pete’s bravery,” the judge said in a statement, referring to the 27-year-old celebrity by her real name, Megan Pete. Despite frequent and cruel attacks that you did not deserve, you demonstrated amazing bravery and vulnerability in your testimony. You endured unwarranted and disgusting scrutiny that no woman should ever experience, and you have served as an inspiration to others in Los Angeles County and across the country.
“Women, especially Black women, are afraid to report crimes like assault and sexual violence because they are too often not believed. This trial, for the second time this month, highlighted the numerous ways that our society must do better for women.
“I’d also like to thank the jurors for their time and thoughtful deliberation, and our trial team for their tireless pursuit of the truth. You spent countless hours away from your families during the holiday season preparing this case and finding justice for Ms. Pete. Your sacrifice is appreciated.”
Megan confessed during the trial that she found it difficult to give evidence.
She said: “I’m having a really difficult time sitting up here telling my story and having to sit across [from] people who have made up lies about me and having to [sit] across from Tory.
“I try to be strong. I don’t like to look weak. I don’t want to give them the power that they’ve taken from me for the last three years.”
Lanez had pled not guilty after being charged with felony assault in July 2020 for allegedly shooting Megan in the foot following a party at Kylie Jenner’s Hollywood Hills house.
Lanez began releasing mixtapes in 2009 and saw a steady rise in popularity, moving on to major-label albums. His last two reached the top 10 on Billboard’s charts.
Megan Thee Stallion was already a major rising star at the time of the shooting, and her prominence has surged since.
She won a Grammy for best new artist in 2021, and had No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 with her own song “Savage,” featuring Beyoncé, and as a guest on Cardi B’s “WAP.”