Los Angeles — A three-judge panel of the California 2nd District Court of Appeal has officially denied Tory Lanez’s appeal of his December 2022 convictions for shooting Megan Thee Stallion, thereby upholding the 10-year prison sentence imposed on him.
Background of the Case:
In July 2020, a dispute between the two artists allegedly culminated in Lanez firing a semiautomatic handgun at Megan Thee Stallion’s feet while the pair were exiting an SUV at a party in Hollywood Hills. Megan testified during the trial that Lanez shouted “dance, bitch” after pulling the trigger and that she eventually had bullet fragments removed surgically from both of her feet.
Lanez was charged and ultimately found guilty in December 2022 of three felony counts: assault with a semiautomatic firearm, possession of a loaded and unregistered firearm in a vehicle, and discharging a firearm with gross negligence. He was later sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Appeal and Ruling:
Lanez’s legal team argued multiple grounds for overturning the conviction, including alleged evidentiary errors, prosecutorial misconduct, and jury instruction flaws.
However, the appellate court — in its detailed 46-page opinion — concluded that the evidence supporting the verdict was “more than sufficient” and that any errors identified were “harmless” in the context of the overall case. In particular:
The court affirmed the trial judge’s decision to allow Megan to testify about her feelings entering the courthouse (“I didn’t want to say nothing in the first place”).
The panel rejected arguments that a photo of Lanez shirtless with visible tattoos unfairly prejudiced the jury.
An Instagram comment from Lanez’s account reading “that’s not true” (in response to a post claiming someone else shot Megan) was allowed; the court ruled any error admitting this evidence was harmless.
Implications:
With this decision, Tory Lanez’s chances of having the conviction reversed through appellate courts have significantly diminished. Although his legal team may petition the California Supreme Court to hear the matter, such requests are rarely granted.
For Megan Thee Stallion, the ruling represents a legal affirmation of her testimony and a cultural moment underlining the broader dynamics of gender, justice, and the hip-hop industry.
What Comes Next:
Lanez remains incarcerated at the California Men’s Colony, where he is serving his sentence.
Meanwhile, Megan continues to release music and pursue other legal actions, including defamation claims tied to the case and protective orders against Lanez.
The case will continue to serve as a touchstone for discussions about accountability in the music industry, and how artists respond to serious allegations — both legally and publicly.
