Rapper Kanye West has publicly shown support for fellow artist Tory Lanez, who is currently serving a 10-year sentence for the 2020 shooting of Megan Thee Stallion. This comes in the wake of Lanez being stabbed 14 times in prison and his legal team’s claims of new evidence that could exonerate him.

On May 16, 2025, Kanye West posted a petition on his X (formerly Twitter) account, advocating for Lanez’s pardon. This action was prompted by a conversation with Canadian rapper Top5, who informed West about Lanez’s condition and the ongoing petition for his release. Top5 emphasized the severity of Lanez’s injuries and the need for public support.

Ye wants to help free Tory Lanez from rocnation imprisonment pic.twitter.com/Q9SFdi5nJ7

— Akademiks TV (@AkademiksTV) May 16, 2025

Details of the Prison Stabbing Incident

“Mr. Peterson never shot anybody. Never even touched that gun.” – Attorney Walter Roberts

Lanez, whose real name is Daystar Peterson, was attacked on May 12, 2025, at the California Correctional Institution in Tehachapi. He sustained 14 stab wounds to his back, torso, head, and face, resulting in both lungs collapsing. After receiving emergency medical treatment, Lanez was stabilized and is now breathing on his own.

The alleged attacker, identified as 42-year-old Santino Casio, is serving a life sentence for second-degree murder and has a history of assaulting fellow inmates. Casio has been placed in restricted housing pending an investigation.

Emergence of New Evidence in Shooting Case

Lanez’s legal team has introduced new evidence suggesting that he did not shoot Megan Thee Stallion. During a press conference hosted by the nonprofit organization Unite The People, attorney Walter Roberts claimed that Megan’s former friend, Kelsey Harris, fired the shots. Roberts stated that Lanez attempted to stop Harris, and the gun discharged during the struggle. This account aligns with previous testimony from witness Sean Kelly, who reported seeing two women fighting before the shooting occurred.

Additionally, a bodyguard allegedly overheard Harris confessing to the shooting, further supporting Lanez’s claims of innocence.

Public and Legal Reactions

The new developments have sparked discussions about the fairness of Lanez’s trial and the potential for a retrial or pardon. Advocates are calling on California Governor Gavin Newsom to consider the new evidence and Lanez’s recent victimization in prison when evaluating his case.

Lanez’s legal team continues to pursue appeals, asserting that he was not given a fair trial free from bias and media influence.