Three years have passed since Tory Lanez, born Daystar Peterson, was embroiled in an explosive trial that captivated the media and the public alike. Found guilty of shooting Megan Thee Stallion in the foot, Lanez was sentenced to 10 years in state prison. In a recent turn of events, he sat down for a rare media interview with NBC News, marking his first opportunity to publicly share his side of the story since the verdict was announced in 2023.
During the interview, Lanez opened up about the misconceptions that have clouded his image. “There is definitely a very big misconception about me that seems to the public as I’m this monster,” he stated. “I’ve never been violent towards a woman. I would never hit a woman, let alone shoot a woman.” His words illustrate a stark contrast between his self-portrayal and the narrative that has arisen from his trial and conviction.
The trial in 2022 was marked by high-profile legal battles and intense scrutiny, as Lanez faced multiple charges, including assault with a firearm and illegal possession of a firearm. Despite being convicted on all accounts, he has continuously maintained his innocence. “I feel like I was catapulted into this poster child for the un-protection of black women,” he reflected, “and it’s just so unlike me.” Lanez emphasized that he has no criminal record, arguing that the implications against him are unfounded and damaging.
Lanez’s appeal process has been a focal point since his conviction. In November, an appeals court upheld his 10-year sentence, determining there was “no ineffective assistance of counsel or prejudicial trial court error.” Yet, Lanez’s legal team is pursuing further avenues, having recently announced plans to appeal to the California Supreme Court. They highlight concerns regarding undisclosed medical records related to Megan Thee Stallion, which they argue could be pivotal to the case.
Reflecting on his trial experience, Lanez expressed regret about not taking the stand to testify. “I think if I would have taken the stand, the verdict would have definitely been very different,” he shared. He claims that new evidence has surfaced since the trial, suggesting he was wrongfully convicted. Alongside his appeals, he has plans to seek clemency or a pardon from California Governor Gavin Newsom, further complicating the narrative surrounding his case.
The response from Megan Thee Stallion’s legal team has been firm and unyielding. Her lawyer has rebuffed Lanez’s claims, insisting that he was fairly tried and convicted based on overwhelming evidence. “Tory Lanez was tried and convicted by a jury of his peers, and his case was properly adjudicated through the court system,” her lawyer stated, emphasizing the validity of the original verdict and the evidence presented during the trial.
Since the trial, Megan Thee Stallion has spoken candidly about the toll that the ordeal has taken on her mental health, describing the incessant online harassment she faced as a consequence of the case. When NBC News inquired about his thoughts on Megan today, Lanez expressed a desire for an in-person conversation rather than a public exchange. “We’ve both gone through a lot,” he said. “I don’t share this hatred for her, but I’m genuinely past that. I’m at a place of healing in my life.”
Despite the ongoing legal battles and public scrutiny, Lanez articulated a sentiment of accountability as he navigates this challenging period. He expressed a desire for his case to be reviewed with fairness, underscoring that discussing his situation should not be viewed as an attack on Megan Thee Stallion but rather a quest for justice based on the evidence involved.