(Los Angeles, CA) – The attorney for Tory Lanez, Jose Baez, has announced that he plans to appeal the rapper’s 10-year prison sentence for shooting Megan Thee Stallion. Baez said in a press briefing that the sentence was “incredibly harsh” and “extreme.” He also claimed Lanez’s is being punished because of his celebrity status.
“I have seen cases where there’s deaths and the person still gets less than 10 years,” Baez said. “To get a 10-year sentence is extreme and really just another example of someone being punished for their celebrity status or someone being utilized to set an example. And he’s not an example, he’s a human being and I think that’s incredibly unfortunate and it’s something we plan on appealing.”
Tory Lanez, whose legal name is Daystar Peterson was convicted of felony assault with a semi-automatic firearm, felony carrying a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle, and felony discharge of a firearm with gross negligence. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison for the assault charge, and the other two charges were merged into the assault charge for sentencing purposes.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge David Herriford said in his hearing that Lanez’s harassment of Megan, including online and through his music, was a “a major factor in aggravation in this case.”
Throughout the trial, Lanez maintained his innocence, However, the jury found him guilty of assault with a semi-automatic firearm, which requires the prosecution to prove that Lanez intentionally fired the gun.
Baez has said that he plans to appeal the conviction, alleging that Lanez was drunk that night and the actions were uncharacteristic of him.
“Even if you want to believe that he’s guilty of these charges. One night and something so out of character does not judge an entire person’s life,” Baez said, adding, “it’s something that we’re all motivated to turnaround and fight for.”
As we reported, Tory was found guilty by a jury in late December of shooting Megan Thee Stallion. Video obtained by TMZ, showed Megan limping near their SUV and leaving behind a trail of blood.
During the trial, Megan took the stand to testify as she recalled the moment Lanez fired shots at her and yelled, “Dance, bitch!”
“I’m in shock. I’m scared. I hear the gun going off and I can’t believe he’s shooting at me. [Lanez] looked shocked. Kelsey looked shocked. JaQuan [the driver/Lanez security] looked shocked,” she said on the stand.
Meanwhile, Tory is reportedly feeling down after the verdict and is having a hard time processing the sentence. TMZ reports the “Chixtape” artist is trusting in his faith in God, and is leaning on the support of his friends, family and supporters around the world.
It is unclear when Lanez’s appeal will be heard, but it could take several months or even years. In the meantime, Lanez will remain in prison.
Tory Lanez Proclaims Innocence In New Statement
In a lengthy post shared on his Instagram account Thursday after, a defiant Tory Lanez reiterated to his fans that he was innocent.
“I have never let a hard time intimidate me, I will never never let no jail time eliminate me regardless of how they try to spin my words, I have always maintained my innocence and I always will,” the statement read.
The Canadian rapper also said he was unapologetic for any charges he is facing as he was “wrongfully convicted,” and his comments in court this week directed at Megan is not an apology for shooting her.
“This week in court I took responsibility for all verbal and intimate moments that I shared with the parties involved…. That’s it. In no way shape or form was I apologizing for the charges I’m being wrongfully convicted of. I remain on the stance that I refuse to apologize for something that I did not do,” the statement said.
He continued, “I’ve faced adversity my whole life and every time it looked like I would lose, I came out on top. This is nothing but another moment where my back is against the wall and I refuse to stop fighting till I come out victorious.”
Adding that “tough times don’t last, tough people do,” the rapper went on to thank his family and friends for their continued support of him.
