Tory Lanez’s father, Sonstar Peterson, made a heartfelt appeal to the judge ahead of his son’s sentencing for shooting and injuring hip-hop star Megan Thee Stallion in 2020. Lanez, whose real name is Daystar Peterson, is facing a 13-year sentence for the crime, which his father believes will devastate their family.
Peterson, a Christian minister, struggled to hold back tears as he spoke about his wife, Luella, who died after a rare blood disorder diagnosis. He stated that his youngest child, Lanez, used music as an outlet to cope with their mother’s passing. Peterson also expressed regret for his outburst in court after his son’s conviction, apologizing to the judge for his actions.
Several other individuals, including the mother of Lanez’s young son and rapper Iggy Azalea, submitted statements to the court, highlighting Lanez’s charitable efforts and describing him as a devoted father. A chaplain from Los Angeles County jail also testified that Lanez has organized daily prayer groups, leading to improved relations among inmates in his unit.
Tory Lanez (Via Tory Lanez/Twitter)
Peterson’s emotional plea was part of a larger effort to sway the judge’s decision, as prosecutors seek a 13-year sentence and Lanez’s lawyers argue for only probation. The judge has not yet made a decision, but is expected to sentence Lanez on Monday. Megan Thee Stallion may also appear in court to give a statement, following her testimony during the trial that Lanez fired the gun at her feet and shouted for her to dance as she walked away from an SUV in which they were riding.
Lanez has been imprisoned since his December conviction, and his lawyers plan to appeal the decision. Megan Thee Stallion, now 28, has since gone on to win a Grammy Award and achieve great success in the music industry. The allegations against Lanez have sparked conversations about misogynoir, a specific form of misogyny experienced by Black women, and the negative impact of online vitriol on their well-being.
