Canadian singer and rapper Tory Lanez has pleaded not guilty in the July shooting of artist Megan Thee Stallion.
What We Know:
- Lanez’s lawyer appeared for the arraignment on his behalf on Wednesday in Los Angeles to enter the plea. Last month, L.A. County District Attorney’s Office charged Lanez with one count of assault with semiautomatic firearm and one count of carrying a loaded, unregistered firearm in his vehicle.
- The case surrounds an incident that took place July 12 when the two artists got in an argument while driving through Hollywood Hills in a SUV. According to a criminal complaint, Megan got out of the car and Lanez began to shoot at her feet inflicting great bodily injury. He was arrested at the scene after police found a concealed weapon in his vehicle and was released on $190,000 bail. Police said one victim was injured but did not reveal their identity.
- Days after the shooting, Megan informed her fans on Instagram of the trauma she endured. She wrote, “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 says police escorted her to the hospital where she had surgery to remove 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 the details about this traumatic night,” she continued, never naming Lanez as the shooter.
- In August, Megan went on Instagram live finally accusing Lanez and his publicist of lying saying, “Yes..Tory shot me. You shot me, and you got your publicist and your people to these blogs lying…” She admitted she was initially fearful of telling LAPD who really shot her due to current racial climate. After seeing the truth of the story be twisted on the internet, she decided to speak up.
- Lanez continues to deny Megan’s version of the truth. The day after he was charged he tweeted, “… and the truth will come to the light … I have all faith in God to show that … love to all my fans and people that have stayed true to me & know my heart … a charge is not a conviction . If you have supported me or meg thru this , I genuinely appreciate u .” He even released a track on his latest album Daystar alluding to the incident with lyrics such as, “And I thought that you was solid too, but …look at how you doin’ me, people tryna ruin me”.
Lanez is expected to return to court on Jan. 20 for the hearing and his order to not be in any contact with Megan was extended. If convicted, the Canadian rapper and singer faces up to 22 years and 8 months in state prison.
