The sentencing of rapper Tory Lanez, legally known as Daystar Peterson, for the 2020 shooting of Megan Thee Stallion has been extended into Tuesday. Lanez faces a potential 13-year prison sentence after being convicted of three felony counts: assault with a semiautomatic firearm, having a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle, and discharging a firearm with gross negligence.
A powerful impact statement from Megan Thee Stallion, read by Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney Kathy Ta, revealed the profound and lasting impact of the shooting on the Grammy-winning artist. “Since I was viciously shot by the defendant, I have not experienced a single day of peace,” Megan’s statement declared. While acknowledging her slow but steady healing, she emphasized the irreversible change the traumatic event has inflicted upon her life.
Megan’s decision to submit a written statement rather than appear in person underscored the emotional toll of confronting her assailant. “I simply could not bring myself to be in a room with Tory again,” she explained, urging Judge David Herriford to impose a substantial sentence.
FILE – This combination photo shows Tory Lanez and Megan Thee Stallion. (Photos by Amy Harris, left, Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File)
The sentencing hearing, initially expected to conclude on Monday, stretched into a second day as Judge Herriford meticulously reviewed each factor influencing Lanez’s potential sentence. Seven witnesses testified, providing insights into Lanez’s philanthropic activities, challenging upbringing, and role as a father to a six-year-old son.
Lanez’s defense team argued for probation and release into a residential substance abuse program, emphasizing his history of charitable work and the devastating impact of losing his mother at a young age. They also plan to appeal the conviction.
The Shooting and Its Aftermath: A Detailed Look
The incident, stemming from a summer 2020 party at Kylie Jenner’s Hollywood Hills residence, culminated in a confrontation between Lanez and Megan. During the trial, Megan testified that Lanez fired the gun at her feet as she walked away from the vehicle, demanding she dance. This testimony formed a crucial part of the prosecution’s case.
Lanez’s father, Sonstar Peterson, a Christian minister, delivered an emotional testimony, recounting the trauma of losing his wife to a rare blood disorder when Lanez was just 11 years old. He described music as his son’s coping mechanism and expressed remorse for his outburst following the guilty verdict.
Numerous character witnesses attested to Lanez’s consistent involvement in charity, both before and after achieving musical success. Raina Cassagne, the mother of his son, portrayed him as a dedicated and involved father. Letters of support, including one from rapper Iggy Azalea, urged the judge to prioritize rehabilitation over punitive measures. A jail chaplain highlighted Lanez’s leadership in organizing prayer groups, contributing to a more peaceful environment within the protective custody unit.
Weighing the Factors: Judge Herriford’s Deliberation
Judge Herriford acknowledged the complexities of the case, recognizing Megan’s vulnerability as a victim while also noting a lack of exceptional cruelty on Lanez’s part. He confirmed that Lanez’s philanthropy and positive contributions to his community would be considered.
However, the judge also acknowledged the prosecution’s arguments regarding Lanez’s alleged attempts, through social media and music, to intimidate Megan and cast doubt on the events of that night. While acknowledging Lanez’s apparent lack of remorse, the judge clarified that this wouldn’t directly influence the sentencing due to the defendant’s right to maintain his innocence.
FILE – Rapper Tory Lanez performs at HOT 97 Summer Jam 2018. (Photo by Scott Roth/Invision/AP, File)
Megan’s Plea and the Road Ahead
Megan’s statement directly addressed Lanez’s perceived lack of accountability, criticizing his attempts to shift blame onto the system, the media, and his childhood trauma. She stressed the enduring psychological and emotional impact of the shooting, emphasizing her struggle to regain a sense of normalcy.
As the sentencing hearing continues, the judge must weigh the competing narratives and evidence presented. The outcome will significantly impact both artists’ lives, marking a critical juncture in a case that has captivated public attention and sparked important conversations about accountability, trauma, and the complexities of justice within the music industry.
The Rise and Fall of Two Hip-Hop Stars
Both Tory Lanez and Megan Thee Stallion experienced significant career trajectories prior to this incident. Lanez, starting with mixtapes in 2009, steadily gained popularity, eventually releasing major-label albums. Megan Thee Stallion was already a rising star in 2020, her career subsequently skyrocketing with a Grammy Award for Best New Artist and chart-topping hits like “Savage” and “WAP.” The shooting and its legal aftermath have undeniably altered the course of their respective careers.
