For the first time since she testified in the trial against Tory Lanez last year, Megan Thee Stallion is publicly speaking about Lanez’s guilty verdict (Lanez was convicted of shooting Megan in the feet in 2020).
Speaking with Elle, the rapper talked about overcoming the highly-publicized assault and the subsequent mocking at the hands of Lanez’s fans and fellow musicians.
“I don’t want to be labeled a victim. “As I look back on the last three years, I see myself as a survivor because I truly survived the unimaginable,” she remarked. “Not only did I survive being shot by someone I trusted and considered a close friend, but I also overcame the public humiliation of having my name and reputation dragged through the mud by that individual for the entire world to see.”
She lambasted those who “treated [her] trauma like a running joke.”
“First, there were conspiracy theories that I was never shot. Then came the false narratives that my former best friend shot me,” she continued.
“Even 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.”
The Grammy-winning artist admitted that dealing with the situation publicly forced her into a dark headspace.
“The truth is that I began to suffer from depression.” I didn’t want to make music. I was in such a bad mood that I had no idea what I wanted to rap about. I wondered if anyone still cared. “There would be times when I’d be crying my eyes out backstage or in my hotel, and then I’d have to pull Megan Pete together and be Megan Thee Stallion,” she explained. “It never occurred to me that people would not believe me. Nonetheless, I was confident that the truth and undeniable facts would triumph.”
Of Lanez’s conviction, she said, “When the guilty verdict came on Dec. 23, 2022, it was more than just vindication for me, it was a victory for every woman who has ever been shamed, dismissed, and blamed for a violent crime committed against them.”
Despite her success, Megan expressed concern that not all women receive the justice they deserve. “My heart aches for all the women suffering in silence worldwide, especially if you’re a Black woman who doesn’t appear to need help.”
Many times, people have said to me, “You look strong.” You’re a talker. You’re quite tall. You don’t appear to be someone who needs to be saved.’ “They assumed that, based on preconceived notions, ‘I didn’t fit the profile of a victim,’ and that I didn’t require support or protection,” she explained.
In order to properly heal from the experience, Megan concluded that she will no longer speak about the trial or Lanez.
“My purpose is for these words to serve as the final time that I’ll address anything regarding this case in the press,” she said. “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 changing the narrative because I’m more than just my trauma. “
Lanez, whose name is Daystar Peterson, was found guilty of assault with a semiautomatic firearm; possession of a concealed, unregistered firearm; and negligent discharge of a gun. His sentencing has been delayed as his attorneys have filed a motion for a new trial.
