In a significant legal development, Tory Lanez has been sentenced to a 10-year imprisonment term by Judge David Herriford of the Los Angeles Superior Court. The sentencing comes from the shooting incident involving Megan Thee Stallion in July 2020.
During the sentencing proceedings held on Tuesday, the Canadian musician took a moment to address the court, expressing deep remorse for the unfortunate incident. He appealed to the judge, seeking probation or a reduced prison sentence. Lanez candidly shared, “If I could undo the events from that night and make amends, I most certainly would. The victim was someone I considered a friend, and my care for her remains unwavering.”
He continued, admitting, “I fully acknowledge my mistakes on that night and take complete accountability for my actions.”
Judge Herriford, however, noted the challenge in reconciling the image of Lanez depicted by his acquaintances and family during the trial with the Lanez who perpetrated the shooting of the Houston rapper. This incident led Megan Thee Stallion to undergo surgery to extract the bullet fragments lodged in her foot. The judge remarked, “Sometimes, individuals with good intentions make regrettable choices. Consequences inevitably follow actions, and regrettably, there are no victors in this case.”
Though Megan was not physically present during the sentencing, her statement was read aloud in court the preceding day. Her message conveyed, “Since the defendant’s violent act, not a single day has passed without my grappling with the repercussions. Progressively, I am healing and reclaiming my strength, yet I know I will never be the same.”
Lanez had spent around ten months in detention before the sentencing following his conviction in December, so he was granted credit for time served. This conviction stemmed from being found guilty of charges including assault with a semiautomatic firearm, possessing an unregistered loaded firearm in a vehicle, and reckless firearm discharge.
Lanez’s legal counsel, Jose Baez, expressed his profound disappointment, stating, “Our disappointment is profound. I have encountered cases involving vehicular manslaughter and comparable situations resulting in loss of life, where the defendants received sentences shorter than ten years.” Baez further criticized the sentencing, depicting it as “another instance of a celebrity’s stature being used for punitive purposes, setting a precedent. Yet, it is crucial to recognize that he is a human being, not just an example.” The legal team is actively pursuing an appeal of the verdict and is working towards securing Lanez’s release on bail.
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón reflected on the sentencing outcome, saying, “I trust that Megan Thee Stallion’s unwavering courage can serve as an inspiration for those who might be feeling powerless.”
Throughout her trial testimony, Megan detailed a heated altercation involving herself, Lanez, and her former friend/assistant, Kelsey Harris. Megan confronted the two about the rumored romantic involvement between them. The situation escalated, and Megan exited the vehicle, walking away. It was reported that Lanez shouted derogatory language before firing shots at her feet.
