Canadian rapper Tory Lanez has filed a $100 million (approx. Sh 13 billion) lawsuit against the California prison system, alleging negligence and failure to protect him following a brutal attack behind bars.
The lawsuit, which is already drawing global attention, stems from a 2025 incident in which the imprisoned artist was stabbed multiple times by a fellow inmate, raising serious questions about inmate safety, prison management, and the treatment of high-profile prisoners.
According to reports cited in court filings, Lanez—whose real name is Daystar Peterson, was attacked while serving his 10-year sentence for the 2020 shooting of Megan Thee Stallion.
Lanez reportedly suffered multiple stab wounds, including injuries that led to a collapsed lung, forcing emergency medical intervention.
The shocking nature of the attack has become the foundation of his legal case, with his legal team arguing that the incident was both preventable and foreseeable.
In the lawsuit, Tory Lanez accuses the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) of failing in its duty of care.
Key allegations include:
- Improper inmate placement: Lanez claims he was housed near or with an inmate known for violent behavior.
- Failure to assess risk: His legal team argues that prison officials should have recognized the heightened risk due to his celebrity status.
- Delayed response: The suit alleges that correctional officers did not intervene quickly enough during the attack.
The filing paints a picture of systemic lapses that, according to Lanez, directly contributed to the life-threatening incident.
Beyond the physical injuries, the rapper is also claiming damages for lost intellectual property.
Lanez alleges that prison authorities confiscated or mishandled his songbooks, lyrics, and unreleased music, which he argues hold significant commercial value. His legal team claims this loss has impacted his ability to continue earning from his craft while incarcerated.
The lawsuit seeks a total of $100 million in compensation, broken down across several claims:
- Physical and emotional suffering from the attack.
- Long-term health complications and scarring
- Loss of income tied to unreleased music
- Alleged violation of his rights as an inmate
Following the attack, Lanez was transferred to a different correctional facility for his safety.
