tory lanez trial

Tory Lanez and Los Angeles prosecutors on Monday will finally kick off a closely-watched jury trial over whether he shot Megan Thee Stallion in the foot, with a potential 22-year prison sentence looming for Lanez if convicted.

After a week of jury selection, prosecutors will make opening statements in their effort to convict Lanez (real name Daystar Peterson) of three felony charges over the July 2020 incident, in which the rapper allegedly shot Stallion in the foot during an argument after a pool party in the Hollywood Hills.

Lanez has maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to all three charges – and publicly implying that Stallion is lying about the shooting. Stallion (born Megan Pete) has been steadfast against such pushback, writing in a New York Times op-ed that “even as a victim, I have been met with skepticism and judgment.”

The trial will center on the early morning of July 12, 2020, when Stallion, Lanez and Stallion’s friend Kelsey Harris were driving in an SUV following a party at Kylie Jenner’s house. According to prosecutors, after an argument broke out, Megan got out of the vehicle and began walking away, then Lanez shouted, “Dance, bitch!” and began shooting at her feet.

Lanez has suggested on social media that he was romantically involved with both women, which led to the altercation. Stallion has strongly denied this.

Immediately after the incident, Stallion initially told police officers that she cut her foot stepping on broken glass, but days later alleged that she had suffered a gunshot wound. After media outlets reported that Lanez had fired the gun, Stallion directly accused him in an August 2020 Instagram video.

In October 2020, Lanez was charged with one count of assault with a firearm and another gun possession charge. At a December 2021 hearing, a Los Angeles judge allowed the case to move forward to a trial. A new charge, discharging a firearm with gross negligence, was added last week. Lanez has pleaded not guilty to all three counts.

The upcoming trial will feature testimony from a number of high-profile witnesses, including from Stallion herself and Kelsey Harris. Also taking the stand could be Jenner and Corey Gamble, Kris Jenner’s boyfriend who was also allegedly at the party. Peterson might take the stand himself, but putting a defendant on the stand is always a gamble for defense attorneys.

The government is expected to wrap up its case by Friday and turn over the proceedings to Lanez’s attorneys. The trial is expected to run into next week.

For the government, prosecutors Kathy Ta and Alexander Bott will handle the case. Though Lanez has been represented by celebrity attorney Shawn Holley throughout the case, attorney George Mgdesyan handled last week’s proceedings and appears to be set to take lead at the trial.