Tory Lanez’s Appeal Delayed Again as Prosecutors Request Extension
Tory Lanez’s appeal against his conviction for shooting Megan Thee Stallion has encountered another delay. The court has granted the prosecution’s request for additional time to respond to Lanez’s appeal brief.
The delay stems from the prosecution’s need to file a response to Lanez’s opening brief, submitted in late February. Initially, the prosecutors requested an extension in March, which the judge approved, setting a deadline for May 28. However, the prosecution sought another extension on May 21, which was granted on May 23, giving them until June 27 to respond.
Lanez, whose real name is Daystar Peterson, filed his appeal based on claims of “Erroneous Admission of Evidence” and “Prosecutorial Misconduct.” His opening brief, spanning 103 pages, largely reiterates arguments from his earlier motion for a new trial, which was denied by Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge David Herriford in May.
Reporter Meghann Cuniff highlighted that the brief builds on a habeas petition filed in December. This petition includes a declaration from Lanez’s driver, who claimed he saw Lanez attempting to take a gun away from Megan’s friend, Kelsey Harris, but did not see who fired the shots.
Lanez’s swift filing of the appeal brief in February led Cuniff to speculate that a decision from the Second District Court could be reached by the end of the year.
Lanez was sentenced to ten years in prison last August, following his conviction in the high-profile shooting case. Initially facing up to 22 years and eight months, he received a lesser sentence but will still face deportation to Canada upon his release.
In the aftermath of the ruling, Megan Thee Stallion’s powerful statement was read in court by District Attorney Kathy Ta. Megan condemned Lanez for spreading false narratives about the incident and exploiting her trauma through his music.
“He not only shot me, he made a mockery of my trauma,” Megan wrote. “He tried to position himself as a victim and set out to destroy my character and my soul. He lied to anyone that would listen and paid bloggers to disseminate false information about the case on social media. He released music videos and songs to damage my character and continue his crusade.”
The ongoing legal battles and delays in Lanez’s appeal process continue to draw public attention and scrutiny, highlighting the complexities and challenges in high-profile cases involving celebrities.
