Rap Artist Tory Lanez was sentenced to ten years in jail without the possibility of parole on Tuesday after he was convicted of felony attack for shooting and injuring hip-hop star Megan Thee Stallion in July 2020.
Lanez, 31, who was founded guilty on Dec. 23, 2022 for shooting and injuring the hip-hop star, whose legal name is Megan Pete, was at first set to be sentenced in January however the sentencing had been postponed numerous times after Lanez acquired new lawyers and filed a movement for a brand-new trial. The ask for a brand-new trial was denied in May.Jose Baez
, Lanez’s attorney, told reporters outside the courtroom on Tuesday afternoon that the sentence was “extreme” and the rap artist’s legal group plans to appeal.
“Tory did not get the sentence that we had actually definitely wished for,” Baez stated. “I think the sentence that was handed down was extremely extreme.”
“This is another example of somebody being penalized for their celebrity status and someone being made use of as a– to send an example and he’s not an example he’s a person,” Baez added. “I believe it’s incredibly unfortunate, and it’s something that we plan on appealing.”
Baez stated that Lanez is feeling “down” and “unfortunate” thinking of the time he will miss with his kid while he serves his sentence.Los Angeles County
District Lawyer George Gascón, whose officer prosecuted this case, said in a statement on Tuesday after the sentencing that “this case highlighted the numerous ways that our society should do better for women.”
“Over the past three years, Mr. Peterson has taken part in a pattern of conduct that was planned to frighten Ms. Pete and silence her realities from being heard,” Gascón stated. “Females, particularly Black ladies, are afraid to report crimes like assault since they are too often not thought. I commend Megan Pete for her extraordinary bravery and vulnerability as she went through months of probing examination and court looks where she had to relive her injury, and the public examination that followed.”
The defense called a number of witnesses, including members of his family, to affirm on the rapper’s behalf during the hearing, which began on Monday and was extended through Tuesday.Lanez’s dad
, Sonstar Peterson, provided an emotional appeal to the judge on his boy’s behalf, explaining the injury Lanez experienced after his mom passed away at a young age and how music became his outlet.Raina Chassagne, the mom of Lanez’s boy, said that he is”the most encouraging father “and asked the judge to be lax to assist end the generational curse of Black dads in prison far from their children.Another witness, Dr. Stephanie Herring, a clinical psychologist at a treatment center, stated that she believes Lanez suffers from PTSD, anxiety, substance abuse disorder and requires treatment.Meanwhile, district attorneys on
Monday checked out an impact statement from Pete, who required Lanez to “be forced to deal with the complete repercussions of his abhorrent actions and face justice.””He not only shot me, he made a mockery of my trauma. He attempted to place himself as a victim and set out to destroy my character and my soul. He lied to anyone that would listen and paid blog writers to disseminate incorrect details about the case on social networks. He released music videos and tunes to damage my character and continue his crusade,”Pete’s declaration said.”Today, I beg this court to send out a message to every victim of violence and totally hold the defendant liable for his criminal conduct. This is a declaration for all survivors that their lives matter and there is zero tolerance for the torture that accompanies violence,”she added.ABC News has reached out to Pete’s representatives for more remark following Lanez’s sentencing.Lanez, a Grammy-nominated rap artist whose legal name is Daystar Peterson, was founded guilty on Dec. 23, 2022 and faced up to 22 years and 8 months in prison.The Los Angeles District Lawyer’s office, which is prosecuted this case, filed a motion in May asking the judge to give the rapper a 13-year sentence. Prosecutors also submitted a movement on Might 23, arguing for a harsher sentence. According to the motion, a brand-new California law would by default make the rap artist’s sentence been available in the”middle term”of the prospective 22-year sentence, unless “scenarios in irritation”were proven.Prosecutors argued in the filing, acquired by ABC News, that”situations of aggravation”exist in this case and pointed out Lanez’s “callousness. “Lanez’s attorneys, Jose Baez and Matthew Barhoma, did not react to ABC News’requests for comment.Lanez was initially charged in October 2020 with one felony count each of assault with a semi-automatic gun (personal usage
of a gun) and carrying a loaded, unregistered firearm in a lorry, according to charging documents gotten by ABC News.”
Personal usage of a gun “is not a different charge, however is a sentencing enhancement linked to the very first
count. Lanez was likewise charged ahead of his trial with an additional felony count of releasing a firearm with gross negligence.Lanez, who selected not to take the witness stand throughout the trial, pleaded not guilty to all three charges. His defense lawyer argued during the trial that Lanez was not the shooter.Lanez was found guilty of three charges for shooting and injuring Megan in both of her feet in an event in the Hollywood Hills on July 12, 2020. The sentencing came after Superior Court of Los Angeles Judge David Herriford last month rejected
Lanez’s request for a brand-new trial.His previous lawyer, George Mgdesyan, who represented him at trial, informed ABC News then that Lanez was “dissatisfied”by the verdict. Asked on Dec. 23, 2022 whether he prepares to appeal, Mgdesyan said that “everything is on the table.”This case has stimulated intense debates over society’s treatment of females. Pete’s account of the occurrence– and the intense public vitriol she dealt with after sharing her story– has actually spotlighted the Protect Black Women motion, which resolves the two-front battle of sexism
and racism Black women experience in their own communities and in society at large.Following the trial, Pete– who affirmed throughout the trial and called Lanez as her shooter– broke her silence about the shooting in an interview for her May 2023 Elle magazine cover story.”
I don’t wish to call myself a victim,”she stated.”As I review the past three years, I see myself as a survivor, due to the fact that I have actually truly made it through the unimaginable. Not just did I make it through being shot by somebody I relied on and considered a friend, however I overcame the general public embarrassment of having my name and credibility dragged through the mud by that person for the whole world to see.”ABC News’Zohreen Shah and Vanessa Navarrete added to this report.
STORECertified nutritionist with over a decade in health and wellness. Wholesome Horizons believes in a holistic approach, intertwining mind, body, and spirit. She offers advice that's not just educational, but actionable — promoting balanced diets, active living, and the harmony of mental well-being.