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Tory Lanez has issued his first public statement after being sentenced to 10 years in prison on Tuesday. As The Shade Room previously reported, the rapper was convicted of three charges in December.
Additionally, the charges were connected to the 2020 assault of Megan Thee Stallion.
On Thursday evening, Tory Lanez’s official Instagram account shared a statement with the rapper’s fans. Lanez’s words firmly maintained his innocence regarding the 2020 incident.
“To The Umbrellas,” the statement read, addressing the rapper’s fanbase. “I have never let a hard time intimidate me. I will never never let no jail time eliminate me. Regardless of how they try to spin my words, I have always maintained my innocence and I always will.”
Lanez went on to explain that “this week in court,” he “took responsibility for all the verbal and intimate moments” he shared with all “parties involved” in the case. His statement seemingly referenced the alleged victim, Megan Thee Stallion, and her former best friend, who was also present during her alleged assault, Kelsey Harris.
“In no way shape or form was I apologizing for the wrongful charges I’m being convicted of,” Lanez stated. “I remain on the stance that I refuse to apologize for something that I did not do.”
The rapper continued by explaining that he’s “faced adversity” his entire life. However, he’s always “came out on top.” He explained that “this is nothing but another moment” where his “back is against the wall.” But he refuses to “stop fighting” until he comes out “victorious.”
“Tough times don’t last, tough people do,” he reiterated.
Lanez then closed out his sentiments by thanking his family, friends, and fans for their support. He even added, “See you soon.”
Furthermore, Lanez also shared a brief caption with his Instagram post.
“Through Good Times and Bad Times … Stay Strong … I’ll See You All Soon ☂️”
Lanez’s statement is the latest occurrence in the week-long string of events regarding his criminal trial. Earlier Thursday, it was revealed that R&B singer Mario wrote a letter of support to Judge David Herriford before Lanez’s sentencing.
According to a photo of the letter, shared by legal reporter Meghann Cuniff, Mario advocated for Lanez’s “work ethic and character.” Additionally, Mario added that he has “never seen Tory act out of character in a manner to hurt someone.”
After news of Mario’s support letter for Lanez surfaced, social media users shared their mixed reactions, captured by The Shade Room.
Additionally, we should add that the exposure of Mario’s letter of support for Tory Lanez followed Iggy Azalea’s letter of support also surfacing. As The Shade Room previously reported, Azalea also spoke to Lanez’s character.
“I deeply appreciate the person he is and have never witnessed him loose [sic] his temper or raise his voice at a woman. He’s always been incredibly respectful of me and I refuse to believe that he would do anything in malice especially to a woman.”
As The Shade Room previously reported, Lanez’s legal team shared their sentiments following his sentencing on Tuesday. Attorney Jose Baez explained that Lanez receiving a ten-year prison sentence was “incredibly harsh.”
“We’re extremely disappointed that Tory did not get the sentence that we had certainly hoped for. I think the sentence handed down was incredibly harsh… to get a ten-year sentence is extreme. And really just another example of someone being punished for their celebrity status. And someone being utilized to set an example…”
Additionally, Baez explained that he has immediate plans to appeal Lanez’s sentence.
It’s important to note, Lanez has reportedly been credited with time served to his 10-year prison sentence, as per legal reporter Meghann Cuniff.
“Lanez will be credited for 231 days he’s already spent in jail, and he gets 15% credit of 34 days. Herriford also is crediting his 40 days of house arrest, for a total of 305 days. He’ll request bail pending appeal, which will be heard Aug. 15. (Extremely unlikely to be granted.)”
