Tory Lanez Father Appeals for Mercy at Megan Thee Stallion Shooting Sentencing

Rapper Tory Lanez's father makes emotional appeal ahead of his sentencing for shooting Megan Thee Stallion, sparking online conversations about misogynoir.

Rapper Tory Lanez, whose real name is Daystar Peterson, is facing a 13-year sentence for shooting and injuring hip-hop star Megan Thee Stallion. Prior to Lanez's sentencing, his father, Sonstar Peterson, made a heartfelt plea to the judge. Peterson, a Christian minister, tearfully spoke about the recent loss of his wife to a rare blood disorder. He expressed that Lanez's music became his son's outlet for coping with the tragedy.

Numerous individuals, including Lanez's young son's mother and rapper Iggy Azalea, submitted letters to Judge David Herriford, highlighting Lanez's character and philanthropy. Lanez's son, who is approximately six years old, even wrote a handwritten letter to the judge. In addition, a chaplain from the Los Angeles County jail testified that Lanez has been leading daily prayer groups that have helped ease tensions in the protective custody unit where he has been held since his conviction in December.

During the trial, Lanez's father also expressed remorse for his outburst in court following the verdict, where he criticized the justice system. He apologized to the judge, acknowledging that it was an overwhelming time for him. The sentencing is expected to take place on Monday, with more statements to be presented.

Prosecutors mentioned that Megan Thee Stallion may appear in court to provide a statement, or a statement may be read on her behalf. Although she was not present during the initial proceedings, the judge previously determined that she was an especially vulnerable victim. However, Lanez was not found to be particularly cruel or callous in his actions, which could impact the sentence.

Lanez's lawyers argued in a sentencing memo that he should only receive probation and be released to enter a residential substance abuse program. They also plan to appeal his conviction. Lanez, who has been incarcerated since the jury found him guilty of assault and firearm-related charges, began his career by releasing mixtapes in 2009 and has since gained significant popularity.

Megan Thee Stallion, who was already a rising star at the time of the incident, has seen her prominence soar. She won a Grammy Award for best new artist in 2021 and achieved chart-topping success with songs like "Savage" featuring Beyoncé and "WAP" as a guest artist with Cardi B.

The allegations against Lanez and the subsequent charges sparked widespread misinformation and online backlash against Megan Thee Stallion, highlighting the issue of misogynoir, a specific form of misogyny experienced by Black women.