Rapper Tory Lanez, currently serving a 10-year sentence for the 2020 shooting of Megan Thee Stallion, has launched a $100 million lawsuit against the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The legal action follows a violent incident last May where Lanez was stabbed 16 times by a fellow inmate.
According to the lawsuit, the attack occurred at the California Correctional Institution in Tehachapi and resulted in life-threatening injuries, including a collapsed lung. The filing describes the assault as "unprovoked" and criticizes prison officials for housing Lanez with Santino Casio, an inmate serving a life sentence for second-degree murder. The document argues that placing a high-profile celebrity like Lanez with such an individual represented a known danger that should have been prevented.
Beyond the housing decision, the lawsuit alleges multiple failures by prison staff. Guards reportedly responded slowly to the emergency and failed to implement adequate protective measures. Additionally, Lanez claims his personal belongings—including a songbook containing lyrics for unreleased music—were never returned after he was transferred to a facility in San Luis Obispo County.
Lanez, whose legal name is Daystar Peterson, was convicted in December 2022 on three felony charges related to shooting Megan Thee Stallion in the foot. He received a 10-year sentence, with prosecutors having sought 13 years. He becomes eligible for parole in 2029.
In a separate legal matter, Megan Thee Stallion recently secured a five-year restraining order against Lanez, expressing fear that he might shoot her again if released. The order will remain in effect until January 2030.
The prison stabbing has drawn reactions from other music industry figures. Drake shared a petition calling for Lanez's release, while SZA defended Megan Thee Stallion against online harassment from Lanez's supporters. Actress and singer Reneé Rapp made controversial comments suggesting more people should be stabbed, though she later clarified her remarks.
The lawsuit now moves forward as Lanez continues serving his sentence while seeking substantial damages for what his legal team characterizes as systemic negligence within the California prison system.