Los Angeles, Aug 8 (Reuters) - Canadian rapper Tory Lanez, known by his legal name Daystar Peterson, has been handed a 10-year prison sentence on Tuesday for his involvement in the shooting of fellow artist Megan Thee Stallion during a 2020 altercation.
Judge David Herriford delivered the verdict during a delayed hearing in Los Angeles Superior Court. Lanez was found guilty by a jury on Dec. 23 for charges including carrying an unregistered firearm, assault with a semiautomatic handgun, and discharging a firearm with gross negligence.
The incident occurred in July 2020 after a pool party in the Hollywood Hills. The dispute escalated into violence, resulting in Lanez shooting Megan Thee Stallion, whose real name is Megan Pete, and injuring her feet. The Grammy-winning rapper underwent surgery and spent several days in the hospital before beginning physical therapy.
During the trial, it was revealed that the argument leading up to the shooting revolved around their respective music careers. Megan Thee Stallion did not attend the sentencing, but her statement was read in court. The statement criticized Lanez for his actions and expressed support for survivors of violence.
Lanez's defense attorney, Jose Baez, expressed dissatisfaction with the sentence, deeming it too harsh. Baez stated that Lanez would appeal the conviction due to what he perceived as an unfair trial. Lanez's legal team had sought a probation sentence, citing examples of lesser sentences in other cases.
Megan Thee Stallion, a rising star in the music industry, won several Grammy awards in 2021, including best new artist and best rap performance. She has also been nominated for additional awards.
The case highlights concerns over the treatment of victims and the credibility of reporting crimes, especially among Black women, as emphasized by Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon. The verdict underscores the ongoing dialogue surrounding celebrity status and its impact on legal outcomes.
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