Tory Lanez, a Canadian rapper found guilty of shooting American artist Megan Thee Stallion in the feet following an intoxicated dispute after a Hollywood gathering, received a 10-year prison sentence on Tuesday.
A judge in Los Angeles imposed the sentence after learning about Lanez’s actions. He had commanded the hip-hop star to “Dance, bitch” as he fired multiple shots at her while she stood on the street.
This sentencing comes after Lanez was convicted in December for charges including assault with a semiautomatic firearm, negligent firearm discharge, and possession of a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle.
Prosecutors had sought a 13-year sentence, asserting that Lanez had caused both physical and emotional harm to the “WAP” performer.
Lanez’s legal team had requested probation or a three-year prison term with mandatory rehabilitation, including treatment for alcohol addiction.
During a lengthy sentencing hearing that commenced on Monday, Judge David Herriford revealed he had received over 70 letters in support of Lanez, some from celebrity acquaintances. Musician Iggy Azalea had penned one such letter, urging for a sentence that aimed for “transformation rather than destruction.”
Additionally, a letter from Lanez’s young son was presented.
However, the judge ruled that Lanez, who had been incarcerated since his conviction, would serve a ten-year prison term. He acknowledged that the prosecution had proven two aggravating factors: the use of a weapon and the victim’s vulnerability. Yet, he stated that the crime’s high degree of cruelty, viciousness, or callousness had not been conclusively established.
The incident took place after a party at Kylie Jenner’s upscale residence in July 2020. Megan Thee Stallion, whose real name is Megan Pete, had been in a car with Lanez, his bodyguard, and her friend Kelsey Harris. The two artists had developed an intimate relationship in the months prior to the altercation.
Harris, who only learned of their relationship that night, admitted to having a “crush” on Lanez. An argument erupted in the car, during which Megan Thee Stallion demanded to exit the vehicle.
The “Savage” rapper testified during the trial that she witnessed Lanez aiming a gun at her and firing shots “after he said, ‘Dance, bitch.'”
Megan Thee Stallion conveyed to the court that she felt vilified in the aftermath of the shooting and that the male-dominated rap industry often seemed to be against her. In a statement read during the hearing, she expressed that since the July 2020 incident, she hadn’t experienced “a single day of peace” and criticized Lanez for making light of her trauma.
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