In a significant legal development, a California appeals court on Nov. 12, 2025 has officially denied Tory Lanez’s appeal of his 2022 conviction in the shooting of Megan Thee Stallion. The decision means Lanez’s 10-year prison sentence stands as is, marking a major setback for the Canadian rapper who had fought to overturn both his conviction and sentence as reported by AP News.

Background:
Tory Lanez (legal name Daystar Peterson) was convicted in December 2022 of three felony counts: assault with a semiautomatic firearm, possession of a loaded unregistered firearm in a vehicle, and discharging a firearm with gross negligence.
The incident stemmed from a July 2020 altercation after he and Megan Thee Stallion left a Hollywood Hills party. Footage and testimony presented at trial established that Lanez fired a gun at Megan, causing bullet fragments to be surgically removed from her feet as sourced by NBC Los Angeles+1.

What the appeal attempted and what the court ruled:
Lanez’s legal team argued several errors occurred during his trial, including the admission of certain evidence (such as a recording of a witness, Instagram posts, and a photo of Lanez’s shirtless tattooed chest) which they claimed prejudiced the jury.

The appeals court, however, rejected these claims. In its ruling, the court affirmed that the trial judge acted appropriately in allowing Megan’s emotional testimony, the recording of witness Kelsey Harris’s interview, and the Instagram comment admission. The court found any alleged error in admitting the Instagram post “harmless.”
In its decision, the appellate panel wrote plainly: “We affirm Daystar Peterson’s conviction.”

Implications:
With the appeal denied, Lanez remains behind bars at California Men’s Colony, serving his full 10-year term. The appeal denial significantly reduces his near-term avenues for relief, though his lawyers may still seek review by the California Supreme Court.

The decision also brings closure to one of hip-hop’s longest-running legal sagas, ensuring the 2020 shooting incident remains adjudicated and final—even as broader conversations about gender, race, fame and accountability continue to swirl around the case.

Reaction and next steps:
Megan Thee Stallion had remained outspoken, both during and after the trial. She submitted a statement earlier this year expressing frustration that the controversy continued to revisit her trauma.

Lanez has consistently maintained his innocence, but the court’s ruling underscores the difficulties in overturning a verdict once properly tried and appealed. As one legal commentator noted, the standard for reversing convictions on appeal is high—and this case shows why.

What to watch:

• Whether Lanez’s legal team files for review by the California Supreme Court (and the possible timetable if they do).

• Any new legal motions or habeas petitions related to underlying evidence (though the court signalled it found no merit in earlier such claims).

• How the case continues to impact hip-hop culture—both in terms of artist conduct and discussions around violence, accountability and fan expectation.

• Megan Thee Stallion’s ongoing career trajectory and public commentary in light of the appeal ruling.

Conclusion:
The appellate court’s denial of Tory Lanez’s appeal marks a critical juncture—not only for the parties involved, but for the wider music industry. The decision affirms that, despite celebrity status, legal accountability can prevail. For WorldWide Entertainment TV, as we reflect on hip-hop’s history and culture, this moment invites deeper questions about responsibility, the boundaries of fame, and how artists navigate both public persona and private conduct.

Call-to-Action:
What are your thoughts on the appeal denial and its impact on hip-hop culture? Drop a comment below, and for more exclusive coverage and commentary, subscribe to WorldWide Entertainment TV.