LOS ANGELES (AP) — In a heartfelt written statement read during Tory Lanez’s sentencing, Megan Thee Stallion revealed the daily pain and struggle she has endured since being shot by the rapper in 2020. The statement, delivered by Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney Kathy Ta, highlighted Megan’s ongoing healing process while acknowledging that she will never be the same.
Megan, who chose not to appear in person at the sentencing, expressed that the thought of being in the same room as Lanez was too overwhelming. However, she made it clear that her absence should not be seen as indifference and called for a severe sentence to be issued by Judge David Herriford.
Originally scheduled for a shorter hearing, Judge Herriford allowed attorneys from both sides to argue various factors before sentencing. Additionally, seven witnesses spoke about Lanez’s charitable contributions, childhood trauma, and role as a father to a 6-year-old son.
Prosecutors are advocating for a 13-year sentence for Lanez, who was found guilty of three felonies: assault with a semiautomatic firearm, possession of a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle, and negligent discharge of a firearm.
Lanez’s defense team, on the other hand, submitted a sentencing memo arguing for probation and the opportunity for Lanez to enter a residential substance abuse program. They also plan to appeal his conviction.
During the trial, Megan testified that Lanez fired a gun at the back of her feet and demanded that she dance as she walked away from an SUV they were in after leaving a party at Kylie Jenner’s home.
In an emotional moment, Lanez’s father, Sonstar Peterson, a Christian minister, spoke about the tragic death of his wife and Lanez’s mother when the rapper was just 11 years old. He shared how music became an outlet for Lanez following this devastating loss.
Numerous witnesses attested to Lanez’s charitable nature even before his rise to fame in 2017. Raina Cassagne, the mother of his son, described him as a supportive and fun father.
Several individuals, including rapper Iggy Azalea, wrote letters to Judge Herriford requesting a transformative sentence rather than one that destroys Lanez’s life.
Judge Herriford mentioned that Lanez’s 6-year-old son had also submitted a handwritten letter, but he did not provide further details.
A chaplain from Los Angeles County jail appeared in court to testify about Lanez’s participation in daily prayer groups that have helped ease tensions in the protective custody unit where he is currently housed.
Following the arguments from both sides, Judge Herriford made favorable findings for each, leaving his final sentence uncertain. He acknowledged Megan as a vulnerable victim and recognized Lanez’s charitable deeds and positive reputation within the community. However, he also considered Lanez’s alleged attempts to intimidate Megan and sow doubt about the shooting through social media posts and song lyrics. The judge noted Lanez’s lack of remorse but acknowledged his right to maintain his innocence.
Megan’s statement specifically addressed Lanez’s absence of remorse and his recent use of his childhood trauma as a defense tactic.
Sonstar Peterson became emotional as he apologized to the judge for his outburst after the jury delivered the guilty verdict, expressing his frustration with the justice system. His emotional statement demonstrated the difficult time he and his family have been through.
Lanez began his music career in 2009 with the release of mixtapes. Over time, he gained popularity and went on to release major-label albums. At the time of the shooting, Megan Thee Stallion was already a rising star in the music industry, and her success has continued to grow. She won a Grammy for best new artist in 2021 and has achieved chart-topping success with songs like “Savage” featuring Beyoncé and “WAP” as a guest with Cardi B.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
