Canadian rapper handed 10 12 months jail time period in Megan Thee Stallion taking pictures

AFP

Canadian rapper Tory Lanez has been sentenced to 10 years in jail, greater than seven months after he was convicted of taking pictures fellow musical artist Megan Thee Stallion throughout an argument in 2020.

Judge David Herriford handed down the sentence to the 30-year-old rapper, whose authorized identify is Daystar Peterson, throughout a listening to in Los Angeles Superior Court that had been pushed again by delays.

On December 23, a jury discovered Lanez responsible of carrying a loaded and unregistered firearm in a car, assault with a semiautomatic handgun and discharging a firearm with gross negligence.

Lanez was accused of taking pictures Grammy-winning rapper Stallion, 28, injuring her ft after a pool occasion within the Hollywood Hills in July 2020.

The taking pictures was preceded by an argument that grew to become heated when the 2 started attacking one another’s music careers, she advised the courtroom through the two-week trial.

Stallion, who was born Megan Pete, wanted surgical procedure and spent 4 days within the hospital earlier than bodily remedy allowed her to stroll once more.

She didn’t attend the sentencing listening to, saying she couldn’t bear to be in the identical room as Lanez however wrote an announcement that was learn in courtroom on Monday, the New York Times reported.

“He not only shot me, he made a mockery of my trauma,” the assertion mentioned. “This is a statement for all survivors that their lives matter and there is zero tolerance for the torture that accompanies violence.”

Jose Baez, a defence lawyer representing Lanez, advised reporters exterior the courthouse that he thought the sentence was too harsh and that Lanez would attraction his conviction, saying he had not obtained a good trial. Lanez’ legal professionals had sought a sentence of probation.

“I have seen homicide case, other cases where there’s a death and the person still gets less than 10 years,” Baez mentioned. “It’s just another example of somebody being punished for their celebrity status, someone being utilized as an example.”

Stallion gained Grammy awards for finest new artist, finest rap efficiency and finest rap track in 2021. She has additionally been nominated for six extra.

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon, whose workplace prosecuted the case, mentioned after December’s verdict that girls, particularly Black girls, are afraid to report crimes equivalent to assault and sexual violence as a result of they’re too usually not believed.

“The fact that Ms. Pete is a successful entertainer has brought the spotlight on the important issue of violence against women,” he advised reporters after the decision.