As Tory Lanez and his supporters continue to reel after a jury convicted him felony charges stemming from the 2020 shooting of fellow Hip-Hop star Megan Thee Stallion (as we reported here), the embattled rapper’s legal team has vowed the fight isn’t over yet.
Details inside.
On Friday (December 23), a Los Angeles jury found Lanez (born Daystar Peterson) guilty of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, discharging a firearm with gross negligence, and having a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle. Peterson initially pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The conviction carries with it the potential of 22 years in prison and deportation to his native Canada, a fate set to be decided at his sentencing hearing on January 27, 2023.
Ahead of the fateful January date, Peterson’s legal team – namely lead defense attorney George Mgdesyan – issued a statement about the legal loss.
“We are shocked by the verdict. There was not sufficient evidence to convict Mr. Peterson. We believe this case was not proven beyond a reasonable doubt,” Mgdesyan reportedly said. “We will be exploring all options including an appeal.”
The quote surfaced shortly after Meg’s lawyer, Alex Spiro, praised the jury for the conviction.
“The jury got it right. I am thankful there is justice for Meg,” Spiro shared.
Separately, District attorney George Gascón praised the GRAMMY-winning rapstress for her composure throughout the grueling ordeal.
“I want to start by highlighting the bravery of Megan Pete,” he wrote. “You showed incredible courage and vulnerability with your testimony despite repeated and grotesque attacks that you did not deserve. You faced unjust and despicable scrutiny that no woman should ever face and you have been an inspiration to others across LA County and the nation.”
At writing, Tory nor Megan have issued direct statements about the outcome of the trial.