Tory Lanez sentencing updates — Rapper’s fate revealed in court after being convicted of shooting Megan Thee Stallion
TORY Lanez has been sentenced nearly eight months after he was found guilty of shooting iconic rapper Megan Thee Stallion.
The rapper, whose real name is Daystar Peterson, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for shooting Megan Thee Stallion in July of 2020.
He faced up to 23 years in prison and possibly being deported back to Canada, but the prosecution sought a 13-year sentence.
In December, a jury found Peterson guilty of assault and two gun charges.
Peterson's defense team asked for probation and a residential drug treatment program.
He was sentenced today in Los Angeles by Superior Court Judge David Herriford.
Read our Tory Lanez sentencing live blog for the latest updates...
Tory claimed he did not commit crime previously
Lanez denied shooting Megan Thee Stallion on his album, Daystar, claiming the star's team is "trying to frame" him.
He raps, "I ain't do it," before adding, "Megan['s] people trying to frame me for a shooting."
Appearing to question the validity of Megan's injuries, he continues: "How the f*** you get shot in your foot but don't hit no bones or tendons?"
More on what happened
Tory Lanez, real name Daystar Peterson, is a Canadian rapper who rose to fame with his hit singles, Say It and Luv, which peaked at number 23 and 19 respectively on the Billboard Hot 100.
The musician was arrested on July 12, 2020, after a supposed argument broke out outside a party at a private residence in Hollywood Hills around 4.30am local time, and shots were fired into the air.
that an SUV at the scene then sped off.
Lanez has since been sentenced to 10 years in prison, according to court reporter Meghann Cuniff.
Tory Lanez's attorney says sentence is 'incredibly harsh'
At a news conference after today's sentencing, the rapper's attorney Jose Baez said a sentence of 10 years in prison is "incredibly harsh."
“To get a ten-year sentence is extreme and just another example of someone being punished for their celebrity status and someone being utilized to send an example," Baez said.
"He's not an example, he's a human being."
Guilty of three felony charges
Tory Lanez was sentenced to 10 years in prison after being found guilty of three felony charges.
The charges include:
- Assault with a semi-automatic firearm
- Carrying a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle
- Discharging a firearm with gross negligence.
Rapper will file appeals
Jose Baez, Tory Lanez’s defense attorney, said that the rapper's team will be filing appeals for the sentence and the conviction.
He told reporters that the next step will be filing a motion for bail.
Tory Lanez addressed the court before sentencing
Before Judge David Herriford read Tory Lanez's sentencing, the rapper addressed the court to apologize for his actions.
“If I could change it, I would but I can’t,” he said.
“Everything I did that night, I take full responsibility."
He added: “I truly am just trying to be a better person.”
'Difficult to reconcile'
Judge David Herriford of Los Angeles Superior Court said during the sentencing that it was "difficult to reconcile" the good father that many people described during the hearing with the man who shot Megan Thee Stallion.
"Sometimes, good people do bad things," the judge said.
"Actions have consequences, and there are no winners in this case."
Tory speaks after sentencing
Tory Lanez spoke to the court for several minutes after being sentenced today, according to court reporter .
He reportedly called Megan Thee Stallion someone he considers a friend, and "someone I still care for dearly to this day."
The rapper said that he bonded with Megan over the loss of their mothers, saying: "We both lost our mothers.
"We would sit there and drink, and drink until we got numb."
Tory Lanez faced up to 23 years
Judge David Herriford of Los Angeles Superior Court has sentenced Tory Lanez to 10 years in prison.
He faced up to 23 years in prison for the three felonies, which include assault with a semiautomatic firearm.
Prosecutors asked for a sentence of 13 years in state prison, while the rapper's defense attorneys pushed for probation.
SENTENCE REVEALED
Tory Lanez has been sentenced to 10 years in prison, according to court reporter Meghann Cuniff.
Megan says that Tory Lanez has shown no remorse
Megan said in her statement: "I've been tormented and terrorized.
"He lied to anyone that would listen," she added.
"He paid bloggers to disseminate false information about the case on social media. He released music videos and songs to damage my character and continue his crusade.
"At first, he tried to deny the shooting ever happened. Then, he attempted to place the blame on my former best friend.
"In his tantrum of lies, he’s blamed the system, blamed the press and, as of late, he’s using his childhood trauma to shield himself and avoid culpability.”
She said: “For once, the defendant must be forced to face the full consequences of his heinous actions and face justice.”
Tory Lanez says he's engaged
According to reports from the courtroom, Tory Lanez asked the court to view him as a person aside from his celebrity status.
He also told the court that he is speaking to them as a fiancé and a father.
This is the first report of him being engaged, and it's not clear who his partner is.
Megan Thee Stallion shares statement
Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney Kathy Ta read a statement from Megan Thee Stallion during Tory Lanez's sentencing hearing.
"Since I was viciously shot by the defendant, I have not experienced a single day of peace," the rapper wrote.
"Slowly but surely, I'm healing and coming back, but I will never be the same."
Megan added that she didn't attend the hearing in person because she couldn't bring herself to be in the same room as Lanez.
Tory Lanez maintained his innocence in lyrics
Lanez denied shooting Megan Thee Stallion on his album, Daystar, claiming the star's team is "trying to frame" him.
He raps, "I ain't do it," before adding, "Megan['s] people trying to frame me for a shooting."
Appearing to question the validity of Megan's injuries, he continues: "How the f*** you get shot in your foot but don't hit no bones or tendons?"
Court back in session
The Tory Lanez sentencing hearing has now resumed.
The prosecution will make their argument, which should be about 10 minutes, reports.
Then, the defense team will make their argument, which is expected to be about 20 minutes.
Superior Court Judge David Herriford is then expected to issue his decision.
Tory Lanez's plea to the judge
During the hearing of Tory Lanez's motion for a new trial, he made a plea to the judge.
"Please don't ruin my life," he said.
"Please don't ruin my life. Please, Your Honor. Please."
"I could be your son. I could be your brother. Please don't ruin my life, judge."
What the charges were
Tory Lanez was found guilty of all three felony counts brought forward by this accuser, Megan Pete, better known as rapper Megan Thee Stallion.
The charges included assault, having a concealed gun in a vehicle, and discharge of a firearm with gross negligence.
The trial took place two years after Megan Thee Stallion accused Lanez of shooting her in the foot.
Court on lunch
The court in California has now taken its lunch.
They will be back in about an hour for the sentencing of Tory Lanez.
Followers brace for sentencing
Followers of the case are awaiting the news of what Tory Lanez's punishment will be.
Megan's victim impact statement read by the DA
"Since I was viciously shot by the defendant, I have not experienced a single day of peace," she said in a statement read by District Attorney Kathy Ta.
"Slowly but surely, I'm healing and coming back, but I will never be the same."
Regarding Megan's decision to give her statement in person, she said she "simply could not bring myself to be in a room with Tory again".
Iggy Azalea speaks out after letter revelation
Following the revelation that Iggy Azalea wrote a letter to the judge, she on Twitter: "For the record:
1. I have not been in touch with tory for months, I have no reason to be, but I do wish him well.
2. I don’t “support” anyone. the whole thing is full of oddities. My letter never mentioned anything in regard to what happened that night.
3. I was told this was for a judge only, yet it’s being discussed in public? I never intended to publicly comment.
4. Iam not in support of throwing away ANY ones life if we can give reasonable punishments that are rehabilitative instead. I support prison reform. Period.
5. I was asked to write about my genuine experience and the type of punishment I think he deserves: I did.
It’s not really that interesting but I understand why it’s being sensationalized. . ."
Sentencing hearing set to start now
Tory Lanez's sentencing hearing is set to resume now and should begin at any moment.
The rapper will soon learn his fate.
Prosecutors are asking for 13 years in prison, but the maximum sentence is up to 23 years.
'You showed incredible courage'
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón's statement after Lanez's conviction reads: "I want to start by highlighting the bravery Megan Pete," he wrote.
"You showed incredible courage and vulnerability with your testimony despite repeated and grotesque attacks that you did not deserve.
"You faced unjust and despicable scrutiny that no woman should ever face and you have been an inspiration to others across LA County and the nation."
'The jury got it right'
After Tory Lanez was found guilty, Megan Thee Stallion's lawyer, Alex Spiro, to Cuniff:
“The jury got it right. I am thankful there is justice for Meg.”
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón also a statement following the conviction.
Tory Lanez sentence is expected today
The rapper was convicted of shooting Megan Thee Stallion in 2020.
He now faces up to 23 years in prison and possibly being deported back to Canada.
Prosecutors have asked the court to sentence Lanez to 13 years in prison.