Megan Thee Stallion has successfully secured a restraining order against rapper Tory Lanez, extending until early 2030. This decision follows allegations that Lanez has been orchestrating harassment from prison while serving a 10-year sentence for shooting Megan in the feet.
Judge Extends Protective Order Amid Harassment Claims
On Thursday, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Richard Bloom granted the extended restraining order after Megan alleged that Lanez was harassing her through intermediaries. According to Megan’s legal team, call logs from the California Correctional Institution in Tehachapi indicate that Lanez has been coordinating efforts to undermine her credibility, including spreading false claims about missing evidence in the case.
Michael Hayden, Lanez’s attorney, opposed the order, arguing that Lanez’s incarceration eliminates any present or future threat to Megan. He noted that there had been no recent direct contact between the two. Despite these objections, the court determined that Megan’s legal team provided sufficient evidence to justify the extension of the protective order.
The restraining order, which initially took effect in November, will now remain in place until January 9, 2030. Hayden did not respond to requests for comment on the court’s decision.
A High-Profile Case That Gripped the Industry
The original incident dates back to July 2020, when Megan testified that Lanez fired a gun at her feet while shouting for her to “dance.” The confrontation occurred after a party at Kylie Jenner’s home in the Hollywood Hills, where Megan, Lanez, and others were traveling in an SUV.
The fallout from the shooting escalated into a high-profile legal battle. Lanez, whose real name is Daystar Peterson, was convicted in December 2022 on three felony charges: assault with a semiautomatic firearm, possession of a loaded and unregistered firearm, and grossly negligent discharge of a firearm. Lanez’s legal team has appealed the conviction, but a motion for a new trial was denied earlier this year.
Megan’s Career Continues to Thrive
Despite the ongoing legal drama, Megan Thee Stallion’s career has reached new heights. The 29-year-old artist has become one of the most influential figures in hip-hop, earning a Grammy for Best New Artist in 2021. Her chart-topping hits, including collaborations with Beyoncé on “Savage” and Cardi B on “WAP,” have solidified her status as a cultural icon.
Megan’s resilience and transparency during the trial drew widespread support from fans and fellow artists. Her testimony highlighted the challenges Black women face in the entertainment industry, especially when speaking out against violence. The rapper has been vocal about the toll the case has taken on her mental health, but she continues to advocate for justice and accountability.
Lanez’s Career and Legal Troubles
Tory Lanez, now 32, began his music career with mixtapes in 2009, gradually gaining recognition before transitioning to major label releases. His last two albums reached the top 10 on the Billboard charts, showcasing his versatility as an artist. However, his career took a sharp turn following his conviction, overshadowing his musical achievements.
The allegations that Lanez has used third parties to harass Megan have further complicated his legal challenges. Megan’s legal team emphasized these actions in their petition, pointing to the coordinated online attacks as evidence of ongoing misconduct. The court’s decision to extend the restraining order reflects the seriousness of these claims.
What This Means Moving Forward
The restraining order against Lanez underscores the broader issue of protecting victims of violence, even when perpetrators are behind bars. While Megan continues to focus on her music and advocacy, Lanez faces an uphill battle to rebuild his reputation amid his legal troubles.
This case has become a watershed moment, shining a spotlight on accountability, victim support, and the power dynamics within the music industry. Megan Thee Stallion’s resilience serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up against harassment, regardless of the challenges.