Canadian rapper Tory Lanez continues to make headlines in 2025 as his legal team pushes for a new trial in the 2020 shooting of Grammy-winning rapper Megan Thee Stallion. Lanez, whose real name is Daystar Peterson, is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence following his 2022 conviction on three felony charges, including assault with a semiautomatic firearm.

New Footage and Testimony Spark Controversy

Lanez’s team recently released Nest camera footage they argue supports an alternate version of events—that Megan’s former friend Kelsey Harris fired the gun. According to Bradley James, Harris’ former bodyguard, Harris allegedly confessed to discharging the firearm into the air during an argument. He claims Lanez attempted to stop her by pushing her arm down, inadvertently causing additional shots to fire.

Florida Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna has joined the chorus of voices calling for a reexamination of the case. She stated the newly reviewed footage contradicts earlier courtroom testimony, specifically the allegation that Lanez shouted “Dance, Megan!” before shooting at her feet.

Luna has reportedly contacted California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office to request an emergency meeting and is working with bipartisan leaders to investigate alleged flaws in the prosecution’s case.

DNA Evidence Under Scrutiny

Lanez’s defense argues that DNA results reveal four contributors on the firearm used in the shooting, and none definitively match Lanez. Moreover, they claim no fingerprints were found on the magazine, suggesting a lack of physical evidence tying him to the weapon.

The California Attorney General’s office, however, has responded by asserting that additional DNA testing would not alter the outcome of the trial, reaffirming that Lanez was convicted by a jury based on witness testimony, physical evidence, and legal standards.

Megan Thee Stallion Responds

Megan Thee Stallion, whose real name is Megan Pete, has consistently maintained that Lanez was the shooter. She testified during the trial that Lanez fired at her feet after an argument, and she later underwent surgery to remove bullet fragments.

In response to the resurfaced claims, Megan issued a statement condemning the continued spread of misinformation and called Lanez a “demon,” urging the public to respect the court’s ruling. She has also secured a restraining order against him due to alleged ongoing harassment.

Lanez Attacked in Prison, Releases Album

In May 2025, Lanez was stabbed 14 times while incarcerated, resulting in collapsed lungs and a temporary hospital stay. His legal team cites this incident as further reason for clemency. He has also voiced plans to advocate for prison reform upon release.

Despite being behind bars, Lanez released a new AI-assisted album titled Peterson, which debuted at #25 on the Billboard 200. The project has reignited his fanbase and brought fresh attention to his legal plight.

Public Support and Petition Movement

Celebrities including Drake and Ye (Kanye West) have shown support for Lanez, advocating for his release. A public petition demanding a retrial or clemency has amassed more than 268,000 signatures, fueling ongoing media coverage and public discourse.

Conclusion

While Tory Lanez remains behind bars, new developments in his case continue to stir debate over celebrity justice, legal accountability, and the treatment of women in hip-hop. With mounting pressure from both the public and lawmakers, the next steps in Lanez’s legal journey could reshape the narrative surrounding one of hip-hop’s most controversial incidents.