Rapper Tory Lanez, who is serving a 10-year prison sentence for the 2020 shooting of fellow artist Megan Thee Stallion, was hospitalized following an attack in a California prison, authorities confirmed Monday. Lanez, born Daystar Peterson, was assaulted by another inmate early in the morning at the California Correctional Institution in Tehachapi, approximately 70 miles north of Los Angeles.
According to a statement released by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the incident occurred around 7:20 a.m. “Staff immediately responded, activated 911 and began medical aid. Peterson was subsequently transported to an outside medical facility for further treatment,” the statement read.
While officials did not disclose the nature or severity of Lanez’s injuries, entertainment outlet TMZ reported that the rapper was stabbed but is expected to survive. Prison authorities, in collaboration with the Kern County District Attorney’s Office, have launched an investigation into the incident.
Lanez’s imprisonment stems from his conviction in December 2022 for shooting Megan Thee Stallion—whose real name is Megan Pete—during a heated argument after a party at Kylie Jenner’s residence in July 2020. The jury heard testimony that Lanez told Megan to “dance” before firing multiple shots at her feet. Megan sustained injuries that required surgery and impacted her ability to walk.
During the trial, prosecutors described how tensions flared in the car Megan shared with Lanez, her former friend Kelsey Harris, and Lanez’s bodyguard. Megan demanded to be let out of the vehicle after a verbal altercation escalated. Harris testified that she had a crush on Lanez and was unaware of his relationship with Megan until that night, which contributed to the confrontation.
Despite denying the charges, Lanez was found guilty of assault with a semi-automatic firearm, possession of a loaded, unregistered firearm, and discharging a firearm with gross negligence. The case drew widespread public attention, highlighting issues of violence against women particularly Black women in the entertainment industry.
As Lanez recovers, the prison attack raises questions about inmate safety and the challenges faced by high-profile prisoners within the correctional system.
