Rapper Tory Lanez has filed a $100 million federal lawsuit against California’s prison system. The lawsuit alleges negligence and failure to protect him from a violent attack behind bars.
Lanez, whose legal name is Daystar Peterson, is currently serving a 10-year sentence. That sentence stems from his conviction in the 2020 shooting of rapper Megan Thee Stallion.
The lawsuit centers on a May 2025 stabbing at a state prison in Tehachapi. Lanez alleges he was attacked by another inmate and stabbed multiple times.
According to court filings, the injuries were severe and required emergency medical care. Lanez reportedly suffered collapsed lungs and lasting physical damage.
Allegations of Negligence and Delayed Response
The complaint claims prison officials failed to properly assess inmate risks before housing assignments. It argues that Lanez was placed with a known violent offender.
“The choice to house Casio with Peterson was known or should have been a known danger,” the lawsuit states.
Lanez also alleges that correctional staff did not respond quickly enough to stop the attack. The lawsuit describes the incident as an “unprovoked life-threatening attack.”
His legal team claims the delay allowed the assault to continue longer than it should have. The filing further accuses officials of “deliberate indifference” to inmate safety.
Lanez was later airlifted to a hospital and placed on a ventilator during treatment. After recovery, he was transferred to another California facility.
Claims Extend Beyond Physical Attack
In addition to the assault, the lawsuit raises other allegations against prison officials. Lanez claims authorities confiscated notebooks containing unreleased song lyrics.
He argues those materials hold significant commercial value and should be returned.
In a grievance included in the filing, Lanez wrote, “It should also be noted that I am an A-list celebrity.”
He also suggested a broader motive behind the attack. “The attempt of assassination on my life could very easily … been a plot to steal my intellectual property,” he wrote.
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has not commented on the lawsuit. Officials cited ongoing litigation as the reason for declining statements.
Broader Context and Legal Path Ahead
The case adds to ongoing scrutiny of prison safety and inmate protections in California. Lawsuits involving prison conditions have emerged in recent years, often alleging excessive force or negligence.
Lanez’s lawsuit seeks financial damages and accountability for the alleged failures. It also highlights concerns about how high-profile inmates are managed within the system.
The legal proceedings are expected to unfold in federal court. No trial date has been announced.