Tory Lanez – born Daystar Peterson – has faced one of the most dramatic downfalls in modern hip-hop history. From the 2020 Hollywood Hills shooting involving Megan Thee Stallion to a recent prison stabbing in 2025, his story has been filled with controversy, headlines, and unanswered questions. Now, a new wave of evidence and resurfaced witness statements is reigniting the debate and fueling a growing “Free Tory” movement.

It all started on July 12, 2020. Lanez, Megan Thee Stallion, and her now ex-best friend Kelsey Harris were leaving a party at Kylie Jenner’s place when chaos erupted inside an SUV. Stallion was shot in the foot, and Lanez was arrested later that night. Fast-forward to December 2022, when a jury found Lanez guilty on three felony counts: assault with a semiautomatic firearm, carrying an unregistered loaded firearm, and grossly negligent discharge of a firearm. In August 2023, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison, with parole eligibility beginning in 2029. 

Despite his legal fate being sealed in court, Lanez and his fans have continued to push back. 

TMZ shares Tory Lanez’s new mugshot as he’s transferred to state prison. pic.twitter.com/3ULDDXCCqW

— Pop Base (@PopBase) September 20, 2023

On May 12, 2025, Lanez was brutally attacked in California Correctional Institution, Tehachapi. According to New York Post, he was stabbed 14 times by fellow inmate Santino Casio – a man already serving life for second-degree murder. The assault left both of Lanez's lungs collapsed and inflicted wounds across his back, face, and torso.

Casio, 42, has a long history of prison violence. Back in 2008 and again in 2018, he racked up more charges for assaults and possession of a deadly weapon while behind bars. After stabbing Lanez, he was placed in restricted housing while an investigation by the California prison system and Kern County DA unfolds.

Lanez's team issued a statement via Instagram: “Despite being in pain, he is talking normally, in good spirits, and deeply thankful to God that he is pulling through… He also wants us to thank everyone for their continued prayers and support.”

Just two days after the stabbing, Lanez’s legal team held a press conference that reignited public debate. Their bombshell claim? Kelsey Harris’ former bodyguard, Bradley James, had finally come forward—allegedly admitting that he overheard Harris admit to shooting Megan herself during a 2022 phone call.

“This further iterates Mr. Peterson did not shoot Ms. Pete,” stated Walter Roberts from United The People. “He did not shoot at Ms. Pete and did not assault Ms. Pete.”

This claim added fuel to a growing fire: a Change.org petition started by Gianno Caldwell’s Caldwell Institute for Public Safety demanding a full pardon for Lanez. The petition, which accuses the former LA DA of misconduct, has gained over 270,000 signatures. Drake, Kodak Black, Chris Brown, and Kanye West have all voiced support—some even reposting the petition to their millions of followers.

Drake wrote on Instagram, “We gotta stop playing with freedom. #FreeTory.”

Kodak Black added, “They gave that man too much time… We need justice for real.”

But Megan isn’t having it.

In a scathing TikTok post on May 19, she clapped back at the rising “Free Tory” sentiment: “At what point are y’all gonna stop making me relive being shot BY TORY!? At what point are Tory and y’all FANS gonna stop lying? Like how much is the check to keep harassing me?”

And she didn't stop there, “WHY IN TF WOULD ME… MEGAN THEE STALLION HAVE TO LIE ON THIS MF ABT SHOOTING ME! How y’all mad at the person that got shot?? FACTS ARE FACTS. He did it. IT WAS PROVEN IN COURT.”

Her attorney, Alex Spiro, echoed the sentiment, saying, “Tory Lanez was tried and convicted by a jury of his peers and his case was properly adjudicated… This is not a political matter – this is a case of violent assault that was resolved in a court of law.”

Despite the guilty verdict, there are reasons why some folks side-eye the case:

Harris’ testimony changed several times. She initially claimed she saw Tory fire the gun, but later said she couldn’t remember due to anxiety, postpartum depression, and drinking. She also tested positive for gunshot residue.

Then there’s the alleged confession – her former bodyguard reportedly overheard Harris say she pulled the trigger, and that the rapper slapped the gun out of her hand. That part hasn’t been confirmed under oath, but Lanez's lawyers are hoping it’ll be enough to get his case reexamined.

Live on fox 11 LA : New Tory Lanez evidence👀Kelsey’s bodyguard comes forward and confirms that Kelsey was the one who shot the Megan. He chose not to say anything because he wanted to protect her up until recently. pic.twitter.com/1m47oWOrzG

— Glamour🧚🏽‍♀️🥀 (@LilCuchiSquirt) May 14, 2025

Even in prison, Lanez has managed to shake the industry. On March 7, 2025, he released Peterson, an AI-assisted prison album recorded in real-time. Billed as the “first ever in-real-time prison album,” it features collaborations with artists and even family members. Fans called it “raw,” “vulnerable,” and “a masterpiece made under pressure”. 

The “Free Tory” movement has gained traction from fans, from people questioning how this case has been handled. With new evidence surfacing and major moments like his prison stabbing making headlines, more folks are starting to wonder: Was everything as clear-cut as we were told? Leave your Fan of View on this case below or message us on social media @FandomDaily_.