Los Angeles, California — Rapper Tory Lanez was hospitalized on May 12, 2025, following an attack at the California Correctional Institution in Tehachapi, where he is serving a 10-year sentence for the 2020 shooting of fellow artist Megan Thee Stallion. The incident occurred around 7:20 a.m. in a housing unit at the facility, approximately 100 miles north of Los Angeles. Prison staff administered immediate medical aid before transporting Lanez to an outside hospital. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, along with the Kern County District Attorney’s Office, are investigating the attack. (apnews.com)
Lanez, whose legal name is Daystar Peterson, was convicted in December 2022 on three felony counts: assault with a semiautomatic firearm, having a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle, and discharging a firearm with gross negligence. These charges stemmed from an incident in July 2020, when Lanez shot Megan Thee Stallion in the feet after a party at Kylie Jenner’s Hollywood Hills home. Megan testified that Lanez fired at her feet while ordering her to dance, resulting in bullet fragments that required surgical removal. (apnews.com)
The shooting and subsequent trial sparked widespread discussions about misogynoir, gender dynamics in hip-hop, and the challenges Black women face in seeking justice. Megan’s testimony highlighted the complexities of navigating the legal system as a Black woman, while Lanez’s conviction underscored the broader issues of violence against women in the music industry. (apnews.com)
Since his incarceration, Lanez has pursued music projects from prison. In March 2025, he released "Peterson," an album recorded entirely while incarcerated, utilizing AI technology. Lanez described it as the "first ever in-real-time prison album," featuring guest appearances from artists like Davo, Jaquain, and Max B. The album peaked at number 25 on the US Billboard 200 chart. (en.wikipedia.org)
The attack on Lanez in prison raises questions about inmate safety and the challenges of managing high-profile individuals within the correctional system. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are expected to provide more details about the circumstances surrounding the incident. Lanez’s legal team has not yet commented on the attack or his current condition.
Megan Thee Stallion, who has continued her successful music career post-incident, remains a prominent figure in the industry. She has used her platform to advocate for women’s rights and address issues of violence against women, drawing from her own experiences to inspire and empower others.
The broader hip-hop community continues to grapple with the implications of the Lanez-Megan case, reflecting on the industry’s culture and the importance of accountability. Discussions about misogyny, respect, and the treatment of women in the genre have gained prominence, prompting calls for change and greater awareness.
As the investigation into Lanez’s attack progresses, it is anticipated that more information will emerge, shedding light on the events that led to the incident and the measures being taken to ensure the safety of all inmates within the facility.