Both Tory Lanez’s legal team and the Los Angeles County District Attorney have shared their reactions regarding the rapper’s 10-year prison sentence. As The Shade Room previously reported, the 31-year-old received his sentence on Tuesday.
Additionally, the rapper was found guilty of three charges connected to the assault of fellow artist Megan Thee Stallion in December.
RELATED: BREAKING: Tory Lanez Sentenced To 10 Years In State Prison In Megan Thee Stallion Assault Case
Tory Lanez’s Lawyer, Jose Baez, Shares His Reaction To The Rapper’s Sentence
After Tuesday’s sentencing hearing ended, Jose Baez, Lanez’s attorney, shared his reaction with the press, as per TMZ.
“We’re extremely disappointed that Tory did not get the sentence that we had certainly hoped for. I think the sentence handed down was incredibly harsh,” Baez explained.
The attorney added that he’s seen “other cases where there’s death and the person still gets less than 10 years.”
“This case — to get a ten-year sentence is extreme. And really just another example of someone being punished for their celebrity status. And someone being utilized to set an example…”
Baez then firmly remarked that Tory is “not an example, he’s a human being.” The attorney then reiterated that the case’s outcome is “unfortunate” and something Lanez’s legal team “plans on appealing.”
Before concluding his sentiments, Baez also shared his disappointment in the LA County District Attorney’s office. Then explained that “one night” should “not judge an entire person’s character.”
“…Just because someone makes a mistake doesn’t mean they should pay for it for the rest of their life, the way that this situation turned out. It’s something that we’re all motivated to try to turn around and to fight for…”
Previously, Lanez’s legal team submitted a sentencing memo asking for the rapper to be let out on probation and released into a substance abuse program.
RELATED: Tory Lanez’s Lawyers Cite Rapper’s ‘Childhood Trauma’ & ‘Charitable Activities’ While Seeking Probation Instead Of Prison
LA County District Attorney Spoke Out About The Rapper’s Sentence
Following Tuesday’s sentencing, Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon also shared his sentiments.
“Over the past three years, Mr. Peterson has engaged in a pattern of conduct that was intended to intimidate Ms. Pete and silence her truths from being heard…”
Gascon went on to explain that Black women are often “afraid to report crimes” because they “are too often not believed.” Then went on to commend Megan Thee Stallion for her “incredible bravery and vulnerability.”
“I commend Megan Pete for her incredible bravery and vulnerability as she underwent months of probing investigation and court appearances where she had to relive her trauma, and the public scrutiny that follow. This case highlighted the numerous ways that our society must do better for women…”
Previously, the prosecution advocated for Tory Lanez to receive 13 years in prison.
RELATED: Prosecutors Seek 13-Year Sentence For Tory Lanez, Say He Used ‘Campaign Of Misinformation’ To ‘Re-Traumatize’ Megan Thee Stallion
More Details Regarding What Took Place On Tory Lanez’s Sentencing
As The Shade Room previously reported, Judge David Herriford administered Tory Lanez’s sentencing on Tuesday. According to TMZ, the rapper addressed the court prior to his sentence being read. He reportedly explained that he has a son and wanted to be given the opportunity to “better” himself.
Tory Lanez speaks to Judge Herriford before Herriford sentenced him to 10 years. Sketch by Mona @mse1125. Follow her on Instagram: https://t.co/NbOsBQ2ieA pic.twitter.com/ELWF2qtgjT
— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) August 9, 2023
The 31-year-old then reportedly apologized for his actions the night of Megan Thee Stallion’s assault and said he isn’t “a monster without sympathy or remorse.” Additionally, he reflected on his and Megan’s bond, referring to her as someone he still considers a friend.
After Lanez spoke, Judge Herriford ultimately reprimanded the rapper to ten years in state prison. According to reporter James Queally, Judge Herriford’s sentence includes “6 years for assault and 4 more on a gun sentencing enhancement.”
This was an unorthodox sentencing hearing to put it mildly, two days largely focused on Lanez’s vast charitable work, which is a factor in mitigation but not a major one. Judge Herriford stepped around it succinctly though — “sometimes good people do bad things.”
— James Queally (@JamesQueallyLAT) August 8, 2023
According to Entertainment Tonight, Raina Cassagne, the mother of Lanez’s 6-year-old son, left the courtroom “visibly distraught” surrounded by the rapper’s family members. Additionally, the outlet reports that Tory Lanez’s legal team “has 60 days to file an appeal.”
Check out social media reactions to the sentencing of Tory Lanez below.
