Tory Lanez Trial in Alleged Megan Thee Stallion Assault Starts: What's Next

Jury selection proceedings have begun in the assault trial of rapper Tory Lanez two years after he allegedly shot Megan Thee Stallion in the feet.

The Canadian rapper, whose real name is Daystar Peterson, is facing felony charges in connection with the 2020 shooting of the American rapper, who is also known as Megan Jovon Ruth Pete. In July of that year, an argument reportedly broke out between her and Lanez following a pool party in Hollywood Hills, California, with the dispute ending in gunfire. Megan has alleged that Lanez shot and wounded her in the feet.

The rapper said she had initially lied to police about her wounds, telling them she had stepped on glass. She said she lied because she feared the situation would escalate if the police were called about Lanez. The incident took place at the peak of the Black Lives Matter protests that followed the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Megan also alleged that Lanez offered her money to keep the incident to herself.

At the time, a number of celebrities came forward in support of Megan, including Black Panther actor Michael B. Jordan, who tweeted, "Meg I admire your courage and applaud you for speaking up, we must Support Black Women, Protect Black Women, and Believe Black Women. @theestallion."

Last month, Megan received more support from a letter signed by several influential figures—including U.S. Representative Maxine Waters, #MeToo founder Tarana Burke and Planned Parenthood CEO Alexis McGill Johnson—who denounced violence against women.

The letter came after rapper Drake seemingly accused Megan of lying about being shot in a song on his new album, Her Loss, a collaboration with rapper 21 Savage.

This month, Megan tweeted: "Stop using my shooting for clout b**** ass N*****! Since when is it cool to joke abt women getting shot ! You n****** especially RAP N****** ARE LAME! Ready to boycott bout shoes and clothes but dog pile on a black woman when she say one of y'all homeboys abused her."

The Los Angeles trial was initially set to begin on September 14 but was delayed because of scheduling conflicts. With the jury proceedings starting this week, testimony will begin on December 5. Lanez appeared in a Los Angeles court on Monday, and Megan is reportedly going to testify during his trial.

Lanez is charged with one felony count each of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, personal use of a firearm and carrying a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle. If convicted, the rapper could face a maximum sentence of about 23 years in prison.

Newsweek reached out for comment to representatives for Megan Thee Stallion and Lanez.