The question of “why did Tory Lanez shoot Megan Thee Stallion?” became central to a highly publicized trial. Megan Thee Stallion, 28, publicly addressed the 2020 shooting incident and its implications, highlighting the skepticism and disrespect faced by Black women when they speak out. Tory Lanez, 31, maintained silence throughout the trial, not testifying or giving interviews to explain his perspective on the events of that night.
Lanez’s defense, led by lawyer George Mgdesyan, argued that Megan Thee Stallion fabricated her account to gain attention. Mgdesyan asserted to the jury that the prosecution’s case was weak, filled with “holes and speculation,” and failed to conclusively prove Lanez’s guilt. The defense proposed an alternative scenario: the argument within the SUV was between Megan Thee Stallion and her friend, Kelsey Harris, stemming from Lanez’s disclosure of sexual encounters with both women. According to Mgdesyan, “This case was about jealousy and a sexual relationship,” suggesting the altercation and subsequent events were fueled by personal conflicts rather than a deliberate shooting by Lanez.
Key evidence in the trial revolved around text messages. Prosecutors emphasized a text message from Ms. Harris to Lanez’s bodyguard that night, stating “Help” and “Tory shot Meg.” They also presented a text from Lanez to Megan Thee Stallion after the shooting, interpreted as an apology. However, the defense countered this interpretation, arguing that Lanez’s apologetic jailhouse call, where he said “I’m deeply sorry,” was not an admission of guilt for the shooting. Instead, Mgdesyan claimed the apology was related to the exposure of his relationships with both women, attempting to undermine the prosecution’s narrative and offer an alternative explanation for the evidence presented.
