LOS ANGELES — Rapper Tory Lanez could receive a lengthy prison sentence during his expected sentencing on Monday after being convicted of shooting and injuring hip-hop star Megan Thee Stallion in the feet.
Los Angeles prosecutors are seeking a 13-year sentence for Lanez, who is 31 years old and legally known as Daystar Peterson.
In a sentencing memorandum, prosecutors stated that Lanez has re-traumatized Megan by posting about the case on social media, which has led to his followers attacking her.
Megan may appear or have a victim impact statement read on her behalf in court on Monday.
Lanez’s defense lawyers argue that he should only receive probation and be released to enter a residential substance abuse program.
They claim that the evidence leading to his conviction is questionable and that his lack of remorse should not affect his sentencing. They also mention that alcohol abuse and childhood trauma might be factors if the allegations are true.
Lanez has been in jail since he was found guilty of three felonies: assault with a semiautomatic firearm, possession of a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle, and discharging a firearm with gross negligence.
During the trial, Lanez’s father caused a dramatic scene when he voiced his discontent with the verdict. Other Lanez supporters also expressed their dissatisfaction with the case.
According to Megan’s testimony, Lanez fired the gun at her feet and told her to dance as she was leaving an SUV after a party at Kylie Jenner’s house.
Superior Court Judge David Herriford, who will be sentencing Lanez, denied a motion for a new trial from the defense on May 9.
Lanez’s defense team argued that a post on his Instagram account was improperly used as evidence. They also claimed that Megan’s statement about Lanez discouraging her from going to the police due to his parole status was false. Additionally, they questioned the DNA evidence presented by the prosecution.
As he was being led out of the courtroom, Lanez pleaded with Judge Herriford, stating, “I could be your son. I could be your brother.” However, the judge ruled that excluding the disputed evidence would not have made a difference.
Lanez’s legal team plans to appeal the conviction.
Lanez rose to fame with the release of mixtapes in 2009 and has since gained popularity with major-label albums. Megan Thee Stallion, now 28, was already a rising star at the time of the shooting and has become even more prominent since then. She won a Grammy for best new artist in 2021 and has had several chart-topping singles.
The allegations against Lanez sparked misinformation and online hate towards Megan, sparking discussions about misogynoir.