Major Controversies Surrounding Tory Lanez: A Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Tory Lanez.

Tory Lanez, born Daystar Peterson, is a Canadian rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer. He gained recognition with his 2013 mixtape and later signed with Mad Love Records/Interscope Records in 2015. He is known for songs like "Say It" and "LUV." In December 2022, Lanez was convicted of three felony counts in connection to the 2020 shooting of Megan Thee Stallion, impacting his music career and public image.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

March 26, 2016: Concert Riot in Midland, Texas

On March 26, 2016, a concert by Tory Lanez in Midland, Texas, devolved into a riot after Lanez incited the crowd to "fuck shit up" during violent scuffles between security and concertgoers. Police shut down the show and made multiple arrests, with potential legal action considered against Lanez.

November 2018: Beef with Joyner Lucas and Don Q

In November 2018, Tory Lanez initiated a rap beef with Joyner Lucas after claiming he was a better rapper during an Instagram Live session, resulting in diss tracks. Following this, New York rapper Don Q accused Lanez of stealing lyrics, leading to further diss tracks between them. Karlton Jahmal praised Lanez for bringing back competitive battle rap.

July 12, 2020: Arrest and Megan Thee Stallion Incident

On July 12, 2020, Tory Lanez was arrested in Hollywood Hills for carrying a concealed weapon in his vehicle after leaving a house party. Megan Thee Stallion, who was also in the car, initially reported a foot wound caused by glass. She later stated that she had suffered gunshot wounds and underwent surgery, but did not initially name the shooter.

August 2020: Megan Thee Stallion Accusation

In August 2020, Megan Thee Stallion stated on Instagram Live that Tory Lanez shot her during the July 12th incident. She also criticized his publicist team for spreading lies about the situation.

September 25, 2020: Surprise Release of Daystar

On September 25, 2020, Tory Lanez surprise-released his fifth album, Daystar, his first project since departing Interscope earlier that year. On the album, he defends himself in multiple songs against claims that he shot rapper Megan Thee Stallion in 2020.

September 29, 2020: Smear Campaign Allegation

On September 29, 2020, Tory Lanez claimed on Instagram that news sites had launched a smear campaign against him, questioning who was "paying" them to publish biased opinions. He stated he had never seen verified publications act in this manner before.

October 13, 2020: Megan Thee Stallion's Op-Ed

On October 13, 2020, Megan Thee Stallion published an op-ed in The New York Times addressing the shooting, stating she was a victim of violence by a man after a party and was shot twice as she walked away, highlighting disrespect towards Black women. She did not explicitly name Tory Lanez in the op-ed.

October 2020: Felony Charges Filed

In October 2020, Tory Lanez was officially charged with felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, personal use of a firearm, and carrying a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle related to the Megan Thee Stallion shooting incident. A protective order was issued, requiring him to stay at least 100 yards away from Megan and surrender any guns he owned.

April 2022: Arrest for Protection Order Violation

In April 2022, Tory Lanez was arrested for violating a protection order related to the Megan Thee Stallion case but was released shortly after on an increased bond of $350,000.

December 23, 2022: Guilty Verdict in Shooting Trial

On December 23, 2022, Tory Lanez was convicted in a jury trial on three felony charges related to the shooting of Megan Thee Stallion: assault with a semiautomatic handgun, having a loaded and unregistered firearm in a vehicle, and gross negligence in discharging his firearm. Lanez was taken to jail immediately following the conviction in Los Angeles.

2022: Altercation with August Alsina

In 2022, August Alsina claimed that Tory Lanez punched him backstage at Rip Micheals' "Fall Back In Love Comedy & Music Jam tour" in Chicago on September 17. Alsina posted photos on his Instagram account documenting the injuries, which included a gash on his lip and cuts on his elbow and knee. Lanez denied the accusations.