Tory Lanez, born Daystar Peterson, is scheduled to appear before the California Court of Appeal on Monday, August 18, 2025, at 9 a.m. in Los Angeles, to challenge his felony convictions in the Megan Thee Stallion shooting case, according to Meghan Cuniff. The oral arguments represent a pivotal moment in Lanez’s attempt to overturn a 10‑year sentence handed down in August 2023.
Lanez was convicted on three felony charges in December 2022: assault with a semiautomatic handgun, possessing a loaded and unregistered firearm in a vehicle, and gross negligence in discharging a firearm . His legal team filed the appeal in February 2024, arguing procedural errors and prosecutorial misconduct undermined the fairness of his trial.
Defense and Political Support Align
Lanez continues to maintain his innocence and is seeking a full reversal or reduction of his sentence officials have deemed excessive. His lawyers have claimed trial errors included allowing “inappropriate narrative testimony” from Megan and improper emotional appeals to the jury.
Adding to the spotlight, U.S. Representative Anna Paulina Luna has publicly called for a pardon. She stated, “Tory Lanez should be pardoned. The evidence in his investigation and initial trial was completely botched and he was NEVER GIVEN A FAIR TRIAL. Free Tory!” . Representatives from both parties are reportedly petitioning Governor Gavin Newsom to grant clemency.
Victim’s Legal Team Pushes Back
Megan Thee Stallion’s legal team strongly rejects claims of new exculpatory evidence. Attorney Mari Henderson has stated that “all evidence, including Ring camera footage, was already presented in court and supported Megan’s testimony,” calling defense assertions a coordinated misinformation effort.
In addition to the appeal proceedings, a judge has extended Megan’s restraining order against Lanez until January 9, 2030. The order addresses alleged third‑party harassment coordinated through prison call logs and online activity.