Tory Lanez has officially lost his appeal in the Megan Thee Stallion shooting case. A California appeals court on Wednesday upheld the rapper’s 2022 conviction for shooting the Grammy-winning artist, confirming his 10-year prison sentence.
The decision effectively ends Lanez’s legal challenge and solidifies the jury’s original verdict. According to court filings reviewed by Rolling Stone, the appellate judges found no procedural errors or legal grounds strong enough to overturn the case.
The Court’s Ruling and Background
The three-judge panel reviewed and dismissed all ten claims raised by Tory Lanez’s defense team, including his argument that he was unfairly prevented from testifying during his trial.
In its decision, the panel noted that Lanez—whose legal name is Daystar Peterson—never formally told the trial judge that he wished to testify. The court also ruled that key evidence, such as the recorded interview with Kelsey Harris, Megan Thee Stallion’s former friend, was properly admitted and deemed reliable.
Lanez was convicted in December 2022 of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, negligent discharge of a firearm, and carrying a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle, in connection with the July 2020 shooting in the Hollywood Hills.
Judicial Response and Legal Observations
The appeals court concluded that the trial was conducted fairly and that Lanez received due process. “The record shows no indication of judicial misconduct or denial of rights,” the ruling stated, according to Rolling Stone.
Lanez’s attorneys had also argued that the prosecution unfairly introduced evidence that could have prejudiced the jury. However, the appellate judges unanimously agreed that the evidence was admissible and relevant to the case.
With this ruling, Lanez’s 10-year prison sentence will remain in place.
Impact on Music Industry and Public Reaction
The case has drawn wide attention from the hip-hop community and beyond, serving as a high-profile example of accountability within the music industry. Legal analysts have pointed out that the decision reinforces the seriousness with which courts treat violence involving public figures.
For Megan Thee Stallion, the ruling brings renewed validation after her emotional testimony about the physical and psychological trauma she endured following the shooting.
Industry experts note that Lanez’s career trajectory will now be permanently shaped by this conviction, which remains one of the most closely followed celebrity legal cases of the decade.
What’s Next for Tory Lanez
Legal experts say Lanez has limited options remaining. While he may attempt to petition the California Supreme Court, such appeals are rarely accepted unless new evidence or constitutional violations emerge.
For now, Lanez will continue serving his sentence in state prison, marking the likely end of a lengthy and controversial legal battle.
Sources
Rolling Stone (Court Coverage & Appeal Report)
Associated Press (California Court Documents)
Los Angeles Times (Trial Summary)
Billboard (Music Industry Reaction)
NBC News (Legal Analysis)
