Tory Lanez‘s sentencing date for shooting Megan Thee Stallion has once again been pushed back, with the presiding Judge Herriford granting a continuance for the Canadian star’s attorneys.
Lanez’ was supposed to finally be sentenced on Tuesday (June 13), but the sentencing was delayed at the last minute at the request of the rapper’s legal counsel, who now have until August 1 to submit a sentencing recommendation ahead of a new sentencing date of August 7, according to reporter Meghann Cuniff.
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Cuniff additionally reported that Lanez did briefly appear in court, donning an orange jumpsuit and black cap.
“Asked after court if he had a message for Megan Thee Stallion, Deputy District Attorney Alex Bott said, ‘We just appreciate her being as strong as she is, and this is going to be over very soon,'” Cuniff added, sharing a video of her talking to Bott.
Tory Lanez's new sentencing date is August 7.
Judge Herriford scheduled it moments ago. Lanez appeared in court briefly, wearing orange jail garb and a black cap. His lawyers' sentencing recommendation is due Aug. 1. Prosecutors want 13 years.
— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) June 13, 2023
The update comes after Tory Lanez’ request to have Judge Herriford disqualified from the trial was denied. HipHopDX obtained a copy of the order striking the statement of disqualification, which was originally filed on May 9 but was officially served on all parties — including Lanez and his attorneys — on Thursday (June 8).
Judge David Herriford made clear that there were “no facts or circumstances which would require my disqualification or recusal in this case.”
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This marks the third time Lanez’ sentencing date has been delayed. It was initially set for January 2, roughly a month after he was found guilty of shooting Megan in the feet during a drunken dispute in the Hollywood Hills in July 2020. However, a judge delayed the sentencing until February 28 due to Lanez changing legal counsel.
When February 28 rolled around, the date was pushed back even further, as the Canadian rapper filed a motion for a new trial, which was ultimately denied.
Prosecutors had previously called for the rapper to be sentenced to 13 years in prison for shooting the Houston rapper. A sentencing memorandum obtained by HipHopDX was filed on June 6, and argued Tory’s “campaign of misinformation” via music and social media posts “re-traumatized Megan” in the weeks leading up to the December 2022 trial.
It also cited Lanez’s “unprovoked attack” on August Alsina, which took place backstage at a comedy show in Chicago last September.
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“Words have power and the pen is oftentimes mightier than the sword. In this case, Daystar Peterson used both,” the memorandum read. “Not content to have hurt the victim by use of his sword (gun), he also used his pen. His online posts for nearly three years have re-traumatized the victim.
“His online reach is worldwide (millions of followers plus casual observers) and the defendant’s statements embolden his followers so that they too have been complicit in re-traumatizing the victim. He is responsible for the effect of his words and his actions.”
The Sorry 4 What rapper is facing a maximum sentence of 22 years and eight months in prison, as well as deportation to his native Canada.
