Claims debunked of court declaring Tory Lanez innocent in Megan Thee Stallion shooting case

Recent LA court review of Tory Lanez case leads to online misinterpretations as a declaration of innocence.

Tory Lanez’s pursuit of an appeal in his conviction for the shooting of Megan Thee Stallion took a significant turn this week. 

On Wednesday, October 23, Lanez’s legal team filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus, requesting a federal court to review if the Canadian artist’s imprisonment is lawful. Then, on Friday, October 25, the court announced it would review this habeas corpus petition along with Lanez’s pending appeal and a prior motion for habeas corpus. The Attorney General is set to provide a preliminary response to this recent petition by November 20.

Despite online speculation claiming that the court’s decision implies Lanez’s innocence, independent reporter Meghann Cuniff clarified on X (formerly Twitter) that the court has not made any rulings yet. Cuniff explained that the court is merely consolidating Lanez’s appeal and habeas corpus petition for joint consideration, and no conclusions have been drawn.

Just got home from the World Series and learned some people spent their Friday night spreading lies about Tory Lanez’s appeal for shooting Megan Thee Stallion.

No, the appellate court has not declared Lanez “innocent.” Not even close. pic.twitter.com/kVYRSSFfBM

— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) October 26, 2024

Cuniff further noted that this habeas corpus petition is entirely new, contrasting with a similar motion filed last year, which reportedly did not receive a response. She suggested that the phrase “good reason appearing” within court documents may have fueled online confusion, emphasizing that it only signifies the importance of reviewing both motions together.

All the court did was consolidate Lanez’s habeas petition and his actual appeal. They haven’t ruled on anything yet and it’s pathetic that this trash website amplifies outright lies, even when the court document is right there staring everyone in the face.

— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) October 26, 2024

Additionally, Cuniff highlighted that the Attorney General has already responded to Lanez’s initial appeal, emphasizing a phone call Lanez made to Kelsey Harris from jail shortly after the shooting as key evidence in the case.

The Unite the People group posted the document on Instagram and falsely said the court accepted Lanez’s innocent claim. It would be great if they could post the actual petition so we don’t have to wait for me to get it from the court on Monday. What’s this new petition about?

— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) October 26, 2024