In a dramatic turn of events that continues to grip the entertainment world, Grammy-winning rapper Megan Thee Stallion has filed for a restraining order against Tory Lanez, citing ongoing harassment. This legal move follows the rapper’s 2022 courtroom victory, where Lanez was convicted of shooting her during an altercation in 2020. Despite Lanez’s imprisonment, Megan, whose real name is Megan Pete, alleges that Lanez has orchestrated an online harassment campaign against her.
The Legal Battle: From Shooting to Restraining Order
The 2020 Incident and Its Aftermath
In July 2020, an altercation in the Hollywood Hills escalated when Lanez, whose real name is Daystar Peterson, allegedly shot Megan Thee Stallion. The incident left the music world in shock and sparked widespread conversations about violence against women. Lanez was convicted in December 2022 on multiple charges, including assault with a semiautomatic firearm and discharging a firearm with gross negligence. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison in August 2023.
Megan’s Restraining Order Request
On December 12, 2023, Megan filed for a temporary restraining order in Los Angeles County Superior Court. According to court documents, she is seeking legal protection to address ongoing harassment she claims is orchestrated by Lanez. Megan’s filing states that she experiences severe emotional distress and fears for her safety, particularly concerning Lanez’s potential release from prison.
Allegations of Online Harassment
Psychological Warfare Through Bloggers
Megan’s attorney, Mari Fagel Henderson, claims Lanez has engaged in “psychological warfare” by employing third-party bloggers to slander Megan’s character. The rapper’s legal team points to several posts by Elizabeth Milagro Cooper, known online as Milagro Gramz, as evidence of this harassment campaign. These posts reportedly include defamatory statements and attempts to undermine the credibility of Megan’s testimony during Lanez’s trial.
Lawsuit Against Milagro Gramz
In October 2023, Megan filed a lawsuit against Cooper for cyberstalking, emotional distress, and sharing deepfake pornography that falsely depicted the rapper. The restraining order request also accuses Cooper of maintaining a “conspiratorial relationship” with Lanez, alleging that she was paid to promote false narratives.
Legal Protections and Megan’s Demands
Specific Terms of the Restraining Order
Megan’s restraining order request demands that Lanez remain at least 100 yards away from her, her residence, and her place of work. Additionally, she seeks an order prohibiting Lanez from contacting her directly or indirectly and requiring him to cease all forms of alleged online harassment.
Previous Protective Measures
Prior to Lanez’s conviction, Judge David Herriford issued protective and gag orders in 2020 and 2021, respectively. These orders barred Lanez from contacting Megan or discussing the case publicly. However, those measures expired in 2023, leaving Megan without current legal protection.
The Emotional Toll on Megan Thee Stallion
Megan’s filing highlights the severe emotional toll of the ongoing harassment. She describes reliving the trauma of the 2020 shooting due to Lanez’s alleged actions. The rapper’s statement underscores the need for legal protection to prevent further psychological harm.
Broader Implications for Public Figures and Online Harassment
Megan’s case sheds light on the challenges faced by public figures who are targeted by harassment campaigns. It also raises questions about the role of online platforms and third-party influencers in perpetuating abuse. The rapper’s legal battle could set a precedent for addressing cyber harassment and protecting victims of violence in the digital age.
FAQs About Megan Thee Stallion and Tory Lanez’s Legal Case
1. Why did Megan Thee Stallion file a restraining order against Tory Lanez? Megan filed the restraining order due to ongoing harassment she alleges is orchestrated by Lanez, including the use of bloggers to slander her online.
2. What were the charges against Tory Lanez in the 2020 shooting case? Lanez was charged with assault with a semiautomatic firearm, discharging a firearm with gross negligence, and carrying a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle.
3. How does Megan claim Lanez is harassing her from prison? Megan alleges that Lanez employs third-party bloggers to spread defamatory statements and undermine her credibility, causing her severe emotional distress.
4. What is the significance of Megan’s lawsuit against Milagro Gramz? The lawsuit accuses Milagro Gramz of cyberstalking, emotional distress, and sharing deepfake pornography, allegedly as part of a harassment campaign linked to Lanez.
5. What legal protections is Megan seeking through the restraining order? Megan’s request includes provisions to keep Lanez at least 100 yards away from her and to stop any direct or indirect contact and online harassment.
