Megan Thee Stallion Reflects On Rising Above Hate & Healing Her Trauma: ‘This Is A Rebirth’

In a first-person piece published in Elle on Tuesday, Megan started by saying that she sees herself as a “survivor” rather than a “victim,” as she’s “truly survived the unimaginable.”

Of course, she’s referring to the July 2020 shooting that firmly divided the hip-hop community, as rappers Megan Thee Stallion and Tory Lanez were firmly pitted against each other.

As other stars like DaBaby and Drake — as well as the general public — proceeded to chime in, Megan notes that her trauma was ultimately treated “like a running joke.”

“Some of my peers in the music industry piled on with memes, jokes, and sneak disses, and completely ignored the fact that I could have lost my life. Instead of condemning any form of violence against a woman, these individuals tried to justify my attacker’s actions.”

Additionally, she slammed Tory by highlighting how he “laughed and joked” about the ordeal while he “peddled false narratives about what happened on the night of July 12, 2020.”

As she faced this backlash, Megan was sure to put up a brave face and keep it truckin’.

“I was still smiling through the pain, still posting on social media, still performing, still dancing, and still releasing music.”

However, Megan says that the reality is that she was “completely drained” and “in a low place.”

“The truth is that I started falling into a depression. I didn’t feel like making music. I was in such a low place that I didn’t even know what I wanted to rap about. I wondered if people even cared anymore.”

She added, “I’d literally be backstage or in my hotel, crying my eyes out, and then I’d have to pull Megan Pete together and be Megan Thee Stallion.”

Eventually, Megan received justice after Lanez was convicted on three felony counts in late 2022.

However, she proudly says that this win “was more than just vindication” for her, as it was also “a victory for every woman who has ever been shamed, dismissed, and blamed for a violent crime committed against them.”

Megan specifically acknowledged that Black women are often denied protection due to “preconceived stigmas” about them being “strong” and “outspoken.”

“My heart hurts for all the women around the world who are suffering in silence, especially if you’re a Black woman who doesn’t appear as if she needs help.”

She proceeded to note, “Time after time, women are bullied with backlash for speaking out against their attackers…From firsthand experience, I know why a lot of women don’t come forward.”

The rapper was also sure to tell those who have survived violence that they’re “valid,” “loved,” and “not defined by [their] trauma.”

Toward the end of Megan’s piece, she noted that this would be the “final time” she publicly addresses the shooting.

“My purpose is for these words to serve as the final time that I’ll address anything regarding this case in the press. I understand the public intrigue, but for the sake of my mental health, I don’t plan to keep reliving the most traumatic experience of my life over and over again. I’m choosing to change the narrative because I’m more than just my trauma.”

She noted that she’s experiencing a “rebirth” before pointing out, “You can’t have crucifixion without resurrection.” Of course, Megan also shared that she’s ready to celebrate her growth and “get back into music.”

“I was once told that you can’t have crucifixion without resurrection, and that statement resonated so deeply with me. This is a rebirth of a happier and healthier me. I’m a survivor and I have—and will continue—to embrace the highs and lows of my journey. I’m excited to get back into music, because I have been so transformed.”

We commend Megan Thee Stallion for opening up about her journey, and we wish her well as she continues to move forward.