Appeals Court Affirms Tory Lanez Conviction

A three-judge panel of the California 2nd District Court of Appeals has upheld Tory Lanez’s December 2022 convictions for assault with a semiautomatic firearm, discharging a firearm with gross negligence, and carrying a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle.

According to the ruling published on November 12, 2025, the court found no reversible errors in Lanez’s trial and held that the evidence presented was sufficient to support the jury’s verdict.

Key Evidence and Arguments

During the 2022 trial, Megan Thee Stallion testified that following a party at Kylie Jenner’s home in July 2020, she was shot in the feet while trying to walk away from Lanez’s vehicle. The prosecution presented evidence, including her testimony, a recorded earlier interview of friend Kelsie Harris, and social media posts tied to Lanez’s account.

The appellate court rejected Lanez’s claim that certain evidence was prejudicial or improperly admitted, finding any error to be harmless.

Tory Lanez: His Situation and Reaction

Tory Lanez, whose legal name is Daystar Peterson, is currently serving a 10-year sentence at the California Men’s Colony after sentencing in August 2023. With the appeal denied, his defence may now seek review from the California Supreme Court, though no petition has been granted as of today.

Broader Cultural Impact

The case drew significant attention partly because of the high-profile figures involved, the dynamics of genre and gender within hip-hop, and the public conversation around violence and accountability in the music industry. This appellate decision affirms the original verdict and sends a strong message about the robustness of the law in such cases.

What This Means for Tory Lanez & His Future

While the appellate ruling closes one legal avenue, it doesn’t necessarily mark the end of the road for Tory Lanez. His legal team could petition the California Supreme Court or seek post-conviction relief through federal channels, though such motions are rarely successful. Still, Lanez has remained vocal about his innocence on social media and through his representatives, framing the case as an example of judicial bias.

Meanwhile, supporters of Megan Thee Stallion have pointed to the decision as long-overdue validation for the rapper, who endured public scrutiny and online harassment following the shooting. The court’s decision not only cements Lanez’s sentence but also underscores a broader cultural shift in how the justice system—and the public—approaches cases of violence against women in entertainment.

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