Grammy-winning artist Megan Thee Stallion has filed a restraining order against Tory Lanez, citing continued harassment through third-party surrogates while he remains incarcerated. The latest development marks another chapter in the ongoing saga between the two artists, stemming from the 2020 shooting incident that left Megan injured and sparked significant public discourse.
The Background
July 2020: The initial shooting incident occurs.
August 2022: Lanez is found guilty of three felony charges, including assault with a semiautomatic firearm.
January 2023: Lanez is sentenced to 10 years in state prison for the shooting.
The feud between Megan Thee Stallion, born Megan Pete, and Tory Lanez, legal name Daystar Peterson, began on July 12, 2020, when Megan was shot in the feet following a dispute after a Hollywood Hills party. Initially, Megan did not name the shooter publicly but later accused Lanez of being responsible. The incident ignited debates about misogynoir, the treatment of Black women in the music industry, and Megan’s bravery in speaking out.
In December 2022, Tory Lanez was found guilty on three felony charges: assault with a semi-automatic firearm, carrying a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle, and discharging a firearm with gross negligence. He was sentenced in August 2023 to 10 years in prison.
New Claims of Harassment
According to court filings submitted today, Megan alleges that Lanez has been harassing her through surrogates while serving his prison sentence. Though specifics about the harassment remain undisclosed, Megan’s legal team emphasized that these actions have caused her “emotional distress and fear for her safety.”
Megan Thee Stallion has filed for a civil restraining order against Tory Lanez.
“Mr Peterson was sentenced to ten years in state prison, but continues his campaign of harassment from behind bars.”
A hearing is scheduled for January 9. pic.twitter.com/7dUpckIFtz
— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) December 17, 2024
This isn’t the first time harassment allegations have been raised in connection to this case. During the trial proceedings, Megan described facing public scrutiny, online abuse, and intimidation, which escalated after Lanez and his supporters publicly questioned her credibility.
Megan’s Resilience and Advocacy
Throughout the ordeal, Megan Thee Stallion has remained an outspoken advocate for herself and for Black women who face violence. In her powerful 2023 Elle magazine essay, she wrote, “For anyone who has survived violence, please know your feelings are valid. You matter. You are not at fault. You are important. You are loved. You are not defined by your trauma. You can continue to write beautiful, new chapters to your life story. Just because you are in a bad situation doesn’t mean you are a bad person. Our value doesn’t come from the opinions of other people. As long as you stand your ground and live in your truth, nobody can take your power.”
What’s Next
The restraining order, if granted, would legally prohibit Lanez or any affiliated individuals from contacting Megan or engaging in further harassment. Megan’s legal team is expected to present evidence in support of the motion in upcoming court hearings, scheduled to begin on January 9.
The ongoing conflict continues to serve as a broader reflection of systemic challenges, including the protection of women, the responsibility of public figures, and the legal battles within the entertainment industry.
As Megan Thee Stallion moves forward, her resilience remains a powerful testament to the importance of justice and accountability, even when faced with overwhelming odds.
This article will be updated as more details emerge regarding the restraining order and related legal proceedings.