For the first time since Tory Lanez’s guilty verdict, Megan Thee Stallion spoke out about her experience surviving a violent incident where she was shot by someone she trusted and considered a close friend.
Megan Thee Stallion finally speaks out about Tory Lanez verdict
In an open letter exclusively published by Elle on Tuesday, the Houston rapper reflected on the public humiliation she faced as her name and reputation were dragged through the mud by her attacker, who peddled false narratives and tried to leverage social media to take away her power.
Megan described the pain of being called a liar every day, especially by someone who was once part of her inner circle.
“Imagine how it feels to be called a liar every day? Especially from a person who was once part of your inner circle,” she wrote.
She also reflected on the importance of protecting her spirit, something her parents emphasised when she was younger. Despite her naïve belief that everyone came with pure intentions, she came to realise that certain people could be hateful or mean without reason.
“Unfortunately, it took until this devastating experience for me to fully grasp the magnitude of my parents’ message back then,” she said.
Megan also acknowledged the adversity she faced and how her trauma was a running joke on social media. The online hate she received pushed the Traumazine star into a depression that impacted her ability to make music, or even know what to rap about.
Megan added that she had every intention of handling the situation privately but noted once her attacker made it public, everything changed.
“Many thought I was inexplicably healed because I was still smiling through the pain, still posting on social media, still performing, still dancing, and still releasing music,” she said.
Despite feeling drained, she continued to work hard and persevere, knowing that the truth and indisputable facts would prevail. When the guilty verdict came, it was a vindication for her and a victory for every woman who has ever been shamed, dismissed, and blamed for a violent crime committed against them.
She also talked about the challenges faced by women who speak out against their attackers, especially if they are famous and wealthy. They are often accused of lying or attempting to make money from their trauma.
“But 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,” Meg wrote.
Megan emphasised the importance of supporting and empathising with women who suffer in silence, especially black women who may not fit the profile of a victim.
“We can’t control what others think, especially when the lies are juicier than the truth. But as a society, we must create safer environments for women to come forward about violent behavior without fear of retaliation.
“We must provide stronger resources for women to recover from these tragedies physically and emotionally, without fear of judgment. We must do more than say her name. We must protect all women who have survived the unimaginable,” she said.
In December 2022, a Los Angeles jury found Lanez guilty of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, possession of a concealed, unregistered firearm and negligent discharge of a firearm.
The Canadian rapper has since recruited a new team of lawyers and filed a motion for a new trial at the Los Angeles County Superior Court.