Tory Lanez’s father, Sonstar Peterson, has renewed public claims that undisclosed details in the case could prove his son’s innocence, continuing a years-long campaign to challenge the rapper’s conviction in the 2020 shooting of Megan Thee Stallion.
Peterson has repeatedly argued in interviews and public statements that the justice system mishandled the case and that courts have refused to fully consider evidence favorable to his son. His comments come despite multiple legal setbacks for Lanez, whose real name is Daystar Peterson.
The case stems from a July 2020 incident in Hollywood in which Megan Thee Stallion was shot in the foot following an argument involving several people inside an SUV. She later identified Lanez as the person who fired the gun.
In December 2022, a Los Angeles jury found Lanez guilty on three felony counts: assault with a semiautomatic firearm, carrying a loaded unregistered firearm in a vehicle, and negligent discharge of a firearm. He was sentenced in 2023 to 10 years in prison.
At trial, prosecutors relied on Megan’s testimony, forensic evidence including shell casings and firearm analysis, and testimony from witnesses present that night, including Megan’s former friend Kelsey Harris.
Lanez has consistently denied shooting Megan.
Supporters of Lanez, including his father, have continued to promote claims that alternative suspects or withheld testimony could overturn the conviction.
Among the most discussed submissions was a sworn affidavit from a bodyguard hired for Harris during the trial. According to Lanez’s supporters, the bodyguard claimed he overheard Harris admitting she fired the weapon.
Lanez’s legal team also raised other issues, including testimony they said should have been heard from security personnel and a driver connected to the case.
However, California courts, including appellate judges in 2025, rejected those arguments and ruled the submissions did not justify a new trial or reversal of the verdict.
Subsequent appeals and habeas petitions were denied, and the California Supreme Court later declined to review the case, leaving the conviction in place.
Some procedural concerns raised by the defense, including jury instruction issues tied to one count, were acknowledged by courts but deemed insufficient to affect the overall outcome.
The case remains deeply divisive online and in entertainment circles. Lanez supporters often cite inconsistencies in witness accounts, Megan’s early public statements, and alleged outside influence from industry figures. Megan’s supporters point to the jury verdict, her testimony, and corroborating physical evidence.
Megan’s legal representatives have maintained there is no credible new evidence that clears Lanez.
Lanez remains incarcerated and was recently transferred to another prison facility after being stabbed while in custody. His father has continued to express optimism about possible future legal relief, though no pardon or release timeline has been announced.
For now, the official legal outcome remains unchanged: Tory Lanez was convicted, and courts have repeatedly upheld that verdict.
