413: Legal affairs reporter Meghann Cuniff on unraveling the complexities of the Tory Lanez case

The Word with Jackie Rae

In July 2020, Megan Thee Stallion, whose real name is Megan Pete, underwent surgery to remove bullet fragments from her foot. At the time, the circumstances surrounding the incident were hazy. Less than a month later, Tory Lanez, whose real name is Daystar Peterson, was named as the shooter.

Although charges would not be officially filed until October 2020, Lanez had no intention of letting the case play out in court. He quickly enlisted the court of public opinion when he released his album called "Daystar," filled with lyrics proclaiming his innocence on songs like "Money over Fallouts," which seemed to question the validity of the shooting with the lyrics, "How the f--- did you get shot in your foot and not hit any bones or tendons?"

In the same month, a judge issued a protective order against Lanez, prohibiting him from being within 100 yards of Stallion. Although the two performers did not cross paths, a judge ruled that Lanez was in violation of the order when both he and Stallion performed at the Rolling Loud event in July 2021.

In April 2022, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office stated that Lanez violated the orders against him by addressing his ex-girlfriend directly on social media and by discussing DNA evidence. In December 2022, the trial began. The prosecution recited statements made by Los Angeles Police Detective Ryan Stogner, who alleged that Lanez yelled, "Dance, b----," while firing at Stallion.

The twists and turns that occurred during the trial leading to Lanez's 10-year prison sentence are too numerous to mention. While Lanez's fans took to social media to voice their opinions about the trial, independent legal affairs reporter Meghann Cuniff quickly became the reliable source for delivering the facts surrounding the case.

On this episode of "The Word with Jackie Rae," Cuniff reveals how the defense failed to divert the blame to Kelsey Harris, Stallion's ex-friend who was present at the time of the shooting, and her thoughts on Lanez's upcoming appeal.

You can follow and support Cuniff as she continues to give extensive coverage on high-profile cases by visiting her website, or you can follow her on Instagram.