U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., has sent out a series of messages on social media urging California Gov. Gavin Newsom to free Tory Lanez, a Toronto rapper currently serving a 10-year prison sentence after being convicted on 10 felony counts for shooting Megan Thee Stallion in the feet following a party in California in 2020.
"I am calling on Gov. Newsom @CAgovernor to review Tory Lanez’s case and issue a pardon," Luna said. "His 10-year sentence was based on flawed evidence, political pressure, and prosecutorial bias. Justice must be blind— not driven by headlines. Free Tory Lanez."
In her call, Rep. Luna said she had "compelling evidence" proving Lanez's innocence, whose real name is Daystar Shemuel Shua Peterson, coming out within the next 36 hours as of yesterday morning.
"Those who rushed to call for his incarceration, and worse yet pushed false evidence, should prepare to be held accountable," Luna added.
Recently, Lanez was stabbed 14 times by another inmate at the California Correctional Institution in Tehachapi. He was hospitalized for his injuries, and in a statement later posted on his Instagram account, said he was in "good spirits" following the attack.
Luna also spoke to him after the incident.
"Despite being stabbed multiple times, his spirit remains unbroken—and he’s deeply grateful for the opportunity to prove his innocence," Luna said.
Lanez, 32, is well-known for his hit songs "Say It" and "LUV," both released on his debut album in 2016. He also released the popular "TAlk tO Me" with fellow rapper Rich the Kid in 2018.
In her call, Luna asserted that the rapper's conviction and sentencing raised many constitutional concerns, including Lanez's First Amendment (use of lyrics as evidence), Sixth Amendment (right to confrontation), and Fourteenth Amendment (equal protection under racially biased enhancements) rights.
"Justice isn’t served when due process is ignored, evidence is mishandled, and race plays a role in sentencing. Tory Lanez deserves a fair hearing—and if justice prevails, he deserves his freedom," Luna said.
