On December 23, Tory Lanez was found guilty of shooting Grammy-winning artist Megan Thee Stallion. Per The New York Times, the Canadian rapper was convicted of three felony counts of “assault with a semiautomatic handgun, carrying a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle, and discharging a firearm with gross negligence.” Sentencing was scheduled for January 27, and Lanez could face 20 years in prison and deportation.
On July 12, 2020, Megan Thee Stallion (born Megan Pete) was rushed to the hospital for treatment for gunshot wounds after an argument with Lanez (born Daystar Peterson). A few days later, Megan described the incident in an Instagram post. “On Sunday morning, I suffered gunshot wounds, as a result of a crime that was committed against me and done with the intention to physically harm me,” she wrote. “I was never arrested, the police officers drove me to the hospital where I underwent surgery to remove the bullets. I’m incredibly grateful to be alive and that I’m expected to make a full recovery, but it was important for me to clarify details about this traumatic night. I’m currently focused on my recovery, so I can return back to my life and back to making music as soon as possible.”
In October of that year, Tory Lanez was charged and pleaded not guilty.
On December 13, Megan reiterated her story in court, explaining how Lanez’s actions have impacted her mental health and her career. “Because Tory has come out and told so many lies about me, and making this all a sex scandal, people don’t want to touch me,” the “Savage” rapper said, per the Times. “It feels like I’m a sick bird.”
Megan was not present in court when the verdict was read but a lawyer representing the 2021 shared a statement with the press. “The jury got it right,” Alex Spiro wrote. “I am thankful there is justice for Meg.”