In December 2022, rapper Tory Lanez was convicted for shooting and injuring the hip-hop star Megan Thee Stallion in July 2020. Following the verdict, the Houston native slipped under the radar— finally taking time to heal away from the spotlight.
In an essay published by Elle Magazine, Megan Thee Stallion, real name Megan Pete, finally broke her silence about her suffering for nearly three years before the case finally came to a head.
“I don’t want to call myself a victim. As I reflect on the past three years, I view myself as a survivor, because I have truly survived the unimaginable,” she begins. “Not only did I survive being shot by someone I trusted and considered a close friend, but I overcame the public humiliation of having my name and reputation dragged through the mud by that individual for the entire world to see.”
The journey for justice was not an easy one for Megan Pete. Initially, she remained silent as speculation as to what happened on that fateful night in California flooded the internet. When it was confirmed that she had, in fact, been shot in both feet by Lanez, social media users, bloggers and even high-profile celebrities trolled her online, accusing her of lying.
“I could have let the adversity break me, but I persevered, even as people treated my trauma like a running joke. First, there were conspiracy theories that I was never shot,” she explained. “Then came the false narratives that my former best friend shot me. 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.”
Pete clarifies that she would have remained silent if Lanez had not continued to speak publicly about the incident, pushing a false narrative. And while fans saw her continue to release music, rack up awards and perform dazzling live performances, she says behind the scenes she was slipping into a deep depression.
Megan says that following the guilty verdict came, “it was a victory for every woman who has ever been shamed, dismissed, and blamed for a violent crime committed against them.”
She added, “My heart hurts for all the women around the world who are suffering in silence, especially if you’re a Black woman who doesn’t appear as if she needs help. So many times, people looked at me and thought, “You look strong. You’re outspoken. You’re tall. You don’t look like somebody who needs to be saved.” They assumed that, per preconceived stigmas, “I didn’t fit the profile of a victim” and that I didn’t need support or protection.”
To this day, Lanez maintains his innocence and has launched an appeal for a brand new trial. He faces a 22-year prison sentence and even deportation—and no remorse for his victim—Megan.
While she acknowledges that she is still in a state of healing, the Grammy Award-winning rapper says her faith has helped see her through.
“I’m in a happier place, but I still have anxiety. Talking about being shot still makes me emotional. I’ve started journaling as a way to better process my thoughts, hopes, and fears. Prayer has also played a therapeutic role in my healing, because I can have honest and unfiltered conversations with God without any judgment.”
