The California Court of Appeal has officially rejected Tory Lanez’s appeal, upholding all three felony convictions against the rapper singer for the 2020 shooting of Megan Thee Stallion a case that became one of the most polarizing legal sagas in hip hop history.
According to court documents and multiple reports, the appellate panel affirmed Lanez’s 10 year prison sentence, leaving the 32 year old artist with little room for further legal maneuvering.
This decision marks yet another chapter in a high profile case that shook both the music industry and the internet, igniting debates over loyalty, violence, celebrity culture, and accountability in hip hop.
The Shooting That Shook Hip Hop
It all began in July 2020, after a Hollywood Hills party hosted by Kylie Jenner. What started as a night of fun turned into chaos when shots rang out near an SUV carrying Tory Lanez, Megan Thee Stallion, and two others.
Moments later, Megan was seen limping from the vehicle, leaving a trail of blood. Soon after, she went public, tearfully revealing that she had been shot in both feet, later naming Tory Lanez as the shooter.
Lanez, whose real name is Daystar Peterson, initially denied the allegations, claiming that he was being framed and that the story had “holes.” But prosecutors saw things differently and after a highly publicized trial in December 2022, he was found guilty on all counts:
- Assault with a semiautomatic firearm
- Carrying a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle
- Discharging a firearm with gross negligence
10 Years Behind Bars And Counting
In August 2023, a Los Angeles judge handed down a 10 year prison sentence, saying Lanez’s actions caused both physical and emotional harm to Megan and displayed “a total lack of accountability.”
At the time, Lanez addressed the court, expressing remorse but continuing to insist on his innocence:
“I take full responsibility for everything I did wrong that night. I was drunk and stupid. But I did not shoot her.”
Despite the emotional statement, the judge stood firm, saying the evidence was overwhelming and that the verdict reflected the seriousness of the crime.
The Appeal That Went Nowhere
Lanez’s legal team filed an appeal shortly after the sentencing, claiming procedural errors, biased testimony, and ineffective counsel.
His attorneys argued that the trial was unfair and that the defense wasn’t allowed to properly cross examine key witnesses or introduce certain pieces of evidence that could have supported Lanez’s innocence.
However, the California appellate court rejected all arguments, ruling that Lanez received a fair trial and that there was no reversible error.
The judges stated that the prosecution had presented “substantial evidence” linking Lanez to the shooting, including eyewitness accounts, ballistic tests, and Megan’s consistent testimony.
In their written decision, the court said:
“The jury’s verdict was supported by credible evidence. The defendant’s appeal fails to demonstrate that any alleged error affected the outcome of the trial.”
Megan Thee Stallion’s Response
While Megan Thee Stallion has largely moved on from the public back and forth, the outcome of the appeal adds finality to a case that’s followed her for years.
Her attorney issued a short statement after the ruling, saying:
“This decision reinforces what we have said all along the truth matters, and justice was served.”
Megan herself hasn’t commented directly since the appeal news broke, but she previously told Elle Magazine that the experience left her “mentally and emotionally scarred,” and that she’s focused now on “healing and reclaiming her peace.”
Public Reaction: “Justice Served or Too Harsh?”
As soon as the appeal decision hit social media, fans, critics, and celebrities flooded platforms like X (Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok with reactions.
Some praised the decision as justice being served for Megan, while others felt the 10 year sentence was excessive for a first time offender.
“He shot a woman and tried to gaslight the world 10 years is mercy,” one fan wrote.
“That man’s life is over for one mistake. The system loves destroying Black men,” another user countered.
The comments reflect the same cultural divide that’s surrounded the case since day one a clash between fandoms, gender politics, and music industry loyalties.
Life Behind Bars
Sources close to the rapper say Lanez has been “focused and prayerful” since starting his prison sentence. He’s reportedly been writing new music and maintaining contact with family and fans through letters.
“Tory’s not broken,” said one friend who visited him recently. “He still believes he’ll get another chance maybe parole, maybe another appeal. But he’s keeping his head up.”
The Canadian artist is currently serving his sentence in a California state prison. With good behavior, he could be eligible for early release in about 8 years, though that depends on his conduct and rehabilitation record.
The Legacy Of The Case
No matter how you view the case, it’s undeniable that Tory Lanez’s career and reputation have been permanently altered.
Once celebrated for hits like “Say It,” “LUV,” and “F.E.A.R.”, the artist is now a cautionary tale about ego, violence, and accountability in the modern music industry.
For Megan Thee Stallion, the ordeal transformed her from superstar rapper to symbol of resilience and survival. Her 2024 album, rumored to address her trauma and growth, debuted at No. 1 and has been praised for its strength and vulnerability.
The story once tabloid fodder has evolved into a lasting cultural marker about truth, trauma, and the cost of fame.
Final Thoughts
With his appeal now officially denied, Tory Lanez remains behind bars a once rising star now defined by one of hip hop’s most infamous moments.
There are whispers that his team may attempt a Supreme Court petition, but legal experts say the chances are slim.
For now, the message from the California courts is clear: the verdict stands, and the sentence remains.
And for Megan Thee Stallion after years of public scrutiny, online bullying, and legal drama this chapter may finally be closing.
Justice, in the court’s eyes, has been served.
