A California appeals court has upheld the conviction of rapper Tory Lanez for shooting fellow hip-hop star Megan Thee Stallion in the feet.
The three-judge panel from California’s 2nd District Court of Appeal handed down their ruling on Wednesday, Nov. 12, according to NBC Los Angeles.
In their 46-page decision, the panel rejected a defense claim that there were “errors” in Lanez’s trial.
The justices said testimony in the trial backed up the prosecution’s argument that Lanez, born Daystar Peterson, shot and injured the “Savage” rapper, whose real name is Megan Pete.
Related: Tory Lanez Supporters Demand Rapper’s Release After Prison Stabbing
During the trial in downtown Los Angeles, Megan took the stand and admitted that she had a non-exclusive sexual relationship with Lanez after previously denying in a TV interview that the two had been intimate.
In court, the Houston rapper said an argument broke out after they left a party in the Hollywood Hills on July 12, 2020.
With tensions escalating, Megan demanded to be let out of the vehicle. As she walked away, a drunk and irate Lanez shouted, “Dance, b—h!” before opening fire, the prosecution said.
“I’m in shock. I’m scared. I hear the gun going off, and I can’t believe he’s shooting at me,” Megan testified.
Residents called police when they heard gunfire and the LAPD responded. At the time, Megan told officers she had stepped on glass. She later said she did not tell the truth because she didnt want to get Tory into trouble.
The Canadian rapper maintained his innocence throughout the case. He was represented by attorney George Mgdesyan at trial, who told jurors Megan was lying.
Lanez, now 33, was found guilty in December 2022 of three felony counts — assault with a semiautomatic firearm; discharging a firearm with gross negligence; and carrying a loaded unregistered firearm in a vehicle; along with the special allegation of using a firearm to inflict great bodily injury.
In August 2023, a Los Angeles County judge sentenced him to 10 years in state prison.
Earlier this year, the rapper’s new legal team, his father and supporters held a news conference in Los Angeles and said Tory was treated unfairly by former District Attorney George Gascón.
“Mr. Peterson was never given a fair trial, free from bias, political interference and media-driven pressure,” said activist Gianno Caldwell at the gathering.
The news conference took place two days after Lanez was stabbed by another inmate at the California Correctional Institution in Tehachapi.
The rapper’s father, Sonstar Peterson, told reporters that his son feared he would not survive the stabbing.
“He expressed his peace with God, believing it was his time,” Peterson stated. “God told him, ‘Do not give up!'”
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