Megan Thee Stallion has been granted a five-year restraining order against rapper Tory Lanez, following a ruling in Los Angeles Superior Court on January 9. The order, which is valid until January 9, 2030, comes after the Houston rapper (real name Megan Pete) provided sufficient evidence to support her claims of harassment and threats by Lanez (real name Daystar Peterson).
The ruling, issued by Judge Richard Bloom, follows a series of legal battles between the two musicians after a 2020 shooting incident in the Hollywood Hills. According to court documents obtained by What’s Trending, the judge determined that Megan had “sustained burden of proof” in presenting a compelling case, which included Lanez’s violent behavior toward her.
In court, Megan described the trauma she continues to face from the shooting, stating, “I feel like maybe he’ll shoot me again, and maybe this time I won’t make it,” according to journalist Meghann Cuniff. The restraining order is based on claims of “unlawful violence, a credible threat of violence, or stalking,” according to the court filings.
The Shooting Incident and Legal Background
Megan and Lanez’s tumultuous relationship has been under intense public scrutiny since July 2020, when Lanez shot Megan in the feet following a night out in the Hollywood Hills. The shooting resulted in serious injuries to Megan, who required medical treatment. Lanez was charged with multiple felonies in connection with the incident, including assault with a semiautomatic firearm, personal use of a firearm, and carrying a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle.
In December 2022, Lanez was convicted of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, discharging a firearm with gross negligence, and carrying an unregistered, loaded firearm in a vehicle. The conviction followed a nine-day trial in which Megan publicly testified about the traumatic event. She described feeling betrayed and targeted by Lanez, who initially denied involvement in the shooting.
In August 2023, Lanez was sentenced to 10 years in prison for the crimes, but his actions allegedly did not stop there. Megan’s legal team filed for a restraining order in December 2023, claiming that Lanez had continued to harass her even from prison. According to court documents, Megan alleged that Lanez had been using third parties to contact and intimidate her while incarcerated.
“Despite being sentenced to 10 years in prison for shooting Ms. Pete, Mr. Peterson continues to subject her to repeated trauma and revictimization,” the legal filings stated.
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Lanez’s Response
Lanez, 32, responded to the restraining order petition in December 2023, accusing Megan of “weaponizing the justice system” to further her own narrative. In his counterclaim, Lanez suggested that celebrities like Megan, who have large followings and financial backing, often misuse the legal system to silence critics or handle public controversies. “When a celebrity with millions of dollars and backed by large corporations disagrees with free speech or opinions, they weaponize the justice system,” Lanez’s legal team wrote in court documents.
Despite his objections, the court sided with Megan, noting the severity of his actions and the ongoing impact on her mental and emotional well-being.
Megan Thee Stallion’s Ongoing Advocacy
Megan Thee Stallion has been open about her trauma and the long-term effects of the shooting. In addition to legal battles, she has spoken publicly about her struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the harassment she’s faced since the shooting incident. The 29-year-old rapper has used her platform to raise awareness about violence against women and to advocate for justice in her case.
In recent months, Megan has also been the subject of a documentary, Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words, which chronicles her rise to fame, her experiences with violence, and her journey toward healing. In the documentary, Megan shares intimate details about her life and reflects on the challenges she’s faced, including navigating public scrutiny and trauma after the shooting.
Megan has also pursued legal action against other individuals who have spread false information about her, including a blogger she accused of harassment and defamation related to the shooting incident. The rapper has consistently used her voice to call for accountability, particularly when it comes to gender-based violence.
The Future of the Case
As Megan continues to move forward in her legal battles, the restraining order serves as a measure of protection from further harm. With the court’s decision, Lanez will be prohibited from contacting Megan directly or indirectly, including through third parties, until 2030. The ruling underscores the seriousness of the violence Megan endured and emphasizes the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
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While Lanez is currently serving his prison sentence for the shooting, the restraining order offers Megan a sense of security as she continues to rebuild her life and career. As she moves past this chapter, Megan remains committed to advocating for herself and other victims of violence, using her platform to shed light on issues of safety, justice, and empowerment for women.
In the coming years, Megan’s case may continue to influence public conversations about abuse, justice, and the treatment of women in the music industry.
