Rapper Tory Lanez has been sentenced to 10 years in prison by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge David Herriford for shooting hip-hop superstar Megan Thee Stallion in 2020. The charges against Lanez included assault with a semiautomatic firearm, having a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle, and discharging a firearm with gross negligence.
The sentencing marked the end of a high-profile trial that generated significant attention within the hip-hop community. The case raised discussions surrounding gender politics, online toxicity, and the consequences of one’s actions.
According to reports, in July 2020, Lanez fired a gun at the back of Megan Thee Stallion’s feet and demanded she dance as she walked away from a vehicle they had been in following a party at Kylie Jenner’s Hollywood Hills home. Megan underwent surgery to remove bullet fragments and continues to experience the emotional toll of the incident. In a statement read by a prosecutor, she expressed that she has not experienced peace since the attack and will never be the same.
Before the sentencing, Lanez pleaded for mercy, expressing remorse and taking responsibility for his actions. His father, Sonstar Peterson, spoke about the rapper’s difficult childhood and how music became his outlet. Several individuals, including Lanez’s young son’s mother, attested to his character and charitable nature. Despite the support, Judge Herriford delivered the 10-year sentence, highlighting the severity of the offense.
Tory Lanez, who released mixtapes in 2009 and achieved success with major-label albums, is known for his popularity and influence in the hip-hop community. Hip-hop artist Megan Thee Stallion is a three-time Grammy Award winner.
