court case

Tory Lanez Apology Call Sealed His Fate, Suggests Meghann Cuniff

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The verdict may have been handed down in the Tory Lanez case, but that doesn’t mean conversations have dissipated. The singer-rapper was found guilty on charges related to the 2020 shooting involving Megan Thee Stallion, real name Megan Pete. Lanez has adamantly denied responsibility, even after Megan named him as the person who shot her in her feet.

The two-week trial was filled with surprises, especially after Megan’s former best friend Kelsey Harris took the stand. Although she pleaded the fifth and denied remembering much, prosecutors played their interview with her for the court. The exchange took place in September 2022, and in it, Harris gave precise details that often mirrored Megan’s account.

ATLANTA, GA – JUNE 16: Tory Lanez performs at Birthday Bash 2018 at Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood on June 16, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia.(photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)
Read More: Slim Thug Says Tory Lanez Should’ve “Been Humble” With Megan Thee Stallion 

However, Lanez’s supporters do not believe that justice was served. According to them, there wasn’t any evidence to secure a guilty verdict. Additionally, they believe there weren’t witnesses to place him as the shooter. However, both Harris and Megan stated they saw Lanez shoot the gun, as did the person who witnessed the incident from their bedroom.

During the trial, Law & Crime reporter Meghann Cuniff was in the courtroom and each day offered detailed updates via Twitter. She developed a reputation as “Meghann The Reporter” and was hailed for giving her straightforward updates about the ongoings of the prosecution and defense.

Read More: Kodak Black Defends Tory Lanez After Guilty Verdict

A clip of an interview with Cuniff has gone viral this week, and in it, she laid some rumors to rest. Although there was speculation regarding what could have sealed Lanez’s fate, Cuniff claims it was the rapper’s apology call to Harris that caused the jury to lean toward a guilty verdict.

“[The most significant piece of evidence] for me was the apology,” said Cuniff. “And we didn’t actually hear a whole lot about that during trial because, I think, prosecutors just kinda figured why bother. They played it in opening, they got it in evidence from somebody within the jail. And then, it kinda seemed like it was on the defense to try to explain that away.”

Read More: Yung Joc Shaves His Head Following Tory Lanez Guilty Verdict

Cuniff admitted that although Lanez “didn’t mention a shooting or a gun in the call,” there wasn’t anything else anyone could say the call was about.

“They went through it line by line, focused on how he was asking about how Meg was in the hospital. This is his apology call to Kelsey. And we never really seemed to hear much about that from the defense at trial.”

Lanez is scheduled to face his sentencing in the coming weeks. He is looking at upwards of 22 years in prison.

YFN Lucci Reportedly Named As Witness In Young Thug Case

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The tension between YFN Lucci and Young Thug was well documented on social media and in lyrics. The two Georgia rappers were, at a time, enjoying their freedom, but they both found themselves in trouble with the law. Lucci was arrested in connection to murder and racketeering charges, but while in jail, he was reportedly stabbed. Later, after Thugger was detained in the YSL RICO case, it was suggested that he was responsible.

As Young Thug continues denying culpability in the alleged crimes, others named in the RICO indictment are copping to plea deals. The seventh person to reportedly agree to a plea deal was named this week. After pleading guilty to a racketeering charge, Gunna enjoyed the holidays with his family.

Young Thug, YFN Lucci
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – MARCH 25: Rapper Young Thug attends the game between Golden State Warriors and the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on March 25, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
Read More: Young Scooter: Young Thug “Gone Be Home Before Summer”

Meanwhile, it has been stated that the District Attorney isn’t necessarily targeting the two dozen alleged YSL associates. According to reports, the authorities have named Thug as the leader of YSL as a criminal organization.

There have been conversations regarding using his lyrics against him during the trial. This would, of course, include Young Thug and Juice WRLD’s collaboration, “Bad Boy.”

During a Summer hearing, a prosecutor alleged that, on the track, Thug rapped about shooting at Lucci’s mother. This was an incident that did take place.

Read More: Antonio Sledge, Young Thug’s Co-Defendant, Enters Guilty Plea

“[Thug] got into a beef, if you will, with another rapper by the name of Rayshawn Bennett, also known as YFN Lucci,” an attorney told the court back in June.

“At some point, Lucci’s mother was shot at and the song comes out, ‘Bad Boy,’ that says, uh, let’s see… ’You better watch the way you breathe around me ‘fore that breath be your last boy, Smith & Wesson .45 put a hole in his heart, better not play with me, killers stay with me, I shot at his mommy now he no longer mention me.’”

It is unclear if Lucci will testify against Young Thug, but he has reportedly been named as a witness. It is unclear what he will say if called to testify.

Megan Thee Stallion’s Bodyguard Justin Edison “Surrendered” To Authorities

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After a week of speculation regarding Justin Edison, he surprisingly materialized today (December 23). The authorities have been attempting to locate Megan Thee Stallion’s bodyguard to no avail. However, ABC News reports Edison mysteriously reappeared after failing to show up to testify last Friday.

According to the outlet, “The family ‘surrendered’ Justin Edison on Friday, and prosecutors ‘are aware.’” Where he was remains a mystery for the time being, but insight was given about his return.

LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 13: Megan Thee Stallion whose legal name is Megan Pete arrives at court to testify in the trial of Rapper Tory Lanez for allegedly shooting her on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022 in Los Angeles, CA. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Read More: Megan Thee Stallion’s Former Bodyguard Said Tory Lanez Apologized For Shooting: Report

“He was found and bench warrant was recalled,” Attorney Michael Zweiback said. Edison reportedly “came forward today because of what was happening to his family.”

The bodyguard’s father recently told Good Morning America that he hadn’t heard from Edison since last Thursday.

“My hope is that [Justin] comes forward so that he doesn’t assume the risks that we discussed before,” Harold Edison shared with GMA. “I explained to him that this is not worth the risk … we must maintain our integrity.” He also noted that a SWAT team entered his home and placed him in handcuffs. The District Attorney’s office declined to comment about the incident.

“I really want this to stop. This is a clear abuse of law enforcement,” Harold added.

Read More: Megan Thee Stallion’s Former Stylist Testifies, LA County DA Looking For Missing Ex-Bodyguard: Report

During the trial, text messages sent to Edison from Kelsey Harris were repeatedly mentioned. Immediately following the shooting, Harris reportedly texted the bodyguard, “Help Tory shot Meg 911.” However, Harris testified that she never saw Lanez shoot Megan and didn’t know why she sent the message to Edison.

Meanwhile, a verdict has been reached. Make sure to stay tapped in with us after it becomes public

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Tory Lanez Too Short To Shoot Gun Over Door, Says His Attorney

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Closing arguments in the Tory Lanez case are set for today as the defense resumes its final words to the jury. Yesterday, the defense and prosecution rested their cases, and soon, the world will learn Lanez’s fate. Megan Thee Stallion insists her former friend shot her back in July 2020. Lanez contests that it wasn’t him but Megan’s ex-best friend Kelsey Harris who pulled the trigger.

Testimony has been lively as witnesses for both sides seem to have dropped off surprises when taking the stand. Harris pleaded the fifth and said she couldn’t remember just about anything she previously detailed to the prosecution. Additionally, the man who allegedly witnessed the incident said he saw a short man shooting at a woman. He was a witness for the defense.

Read More: Tory Lanez Not Charged With Witness Intimidation, Court Says Juror 39 Rode With Him In An Elevator

In the first portion of their closing statements, Lanez’s attorney George Mgdesyan suggested that the singer wasn’t tall enough to fire the shots. Reporter Meghann Cunniff offered an update about this puzzling defense argument.

“There was a light moment for Tory Lanez today during his lawyer’s closing,” wrote Cunniff. “Mgdesyan referenced his height, saying he’s ‘what, 5-foot-2‘ and ‘I don’t even know if he can get over the door to shoot.’ Lanez laughed for a bit over that one.”

She also noted that six jurors, all women, had a “stony expression as Mgdesyan spoke.” Cunniff added, “They didn’t appear to think he was funny.”

Read More: Megan Thee Stallion’s Former Bodyguard Said Tory Lanez Apologized For Shooting: Report

Mgdesyan also called the prosecution’s case “full of holes” and “speculation.” Cunniff claimed the attorney emphasized “reasonable doubt” due to the different stories of what occurred that fateful evening. He also reportedly told the jury that if he believes a “witness is lying in key testimony, they should consider disregarding all testimony.”

A verdict is expected within days.

Charlamagne The God Sued Over Alleged 2001 Sexual Assault: Report

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He has long denied these allegations, but Charlamagne Tha God is confronted with accusations of rape once again. The famed Breakfast Club host, real name Lenard McKelvey, faces a new federal lawsuit issued by the woman who claims she was a minor when she became his alleged victim.

It was in 2001 when Jessica Reid accused Charlamagne of “willfully, unlawfully, and feloniously [engaging] in penile/vaginal intercourse with a fifteen-year-old female child.” RadarOnline reports they have taken a look at Reid’s lawsuit.

Read More: Charlamagne Tha God’s DNA Not Found In Accuser’s Rape Kit: Report

The outlet states that in 2001, Charlamagne faced a “charge of criminal sexual conduct with a minor in the 2nd degree.”

It was reportedly Reid’s mother who alerted the authorities of an alleged rape. The teen was said to have been intoxicated and “crying uncontrollably” when she spoke with police. In Reid’s new lawsuit, she details meeting a then-22-year-old Charlamagne through a mutual friend. Then, she attended a birthday party in June 2001, where she claimed she immediately became “uncomfortable.”

Read More: Charlamagne Tha God Is Bible Thumping Amidst Rape Scandal

Charlamagne allegedly gave her a drink, and soon after, she felt dizzy and fell. Reid stated it felt as if her legs gave out. She insists he laughed when she collapsed and told his friends to “take her ass upstairs.” She says she was assaulted by two men. Further, she alleged, Charlamagne took her to another room and raped her.

“Ms. Reid recalls the ambulance ride vividly, as she was still in shock, hyperventilating, and felt safe,” the suit read.

A report in 2018 stated McKelvey’s DNA wasn’t found in Reid’s rape kit. Additionally, she didn’t cooperate with the investigation. Reid says her mother told her not to press charges. Now, she claims Charlamagne insulted her by referring to her as a “groupie” who “lied.”

(Photo by Derek White/Getty Images for Operation HOPE, Inc.)
Read More: Charlamagne Tha God & His Wife Address Rape Allegations On The Breakfast Club

“Ms. Red has tried to get justice, but to no avail. And to make matters worse, everyone that Ms. Reid reached out to, including iHeartRadio, ignored her and still allowed Charlamagne to speak on their platform,” her lawsuit reads.

“Every time Ms. Reid turns on the radio and hears his voice, sees him on TV, and walks past his books in the stores, she is reminded of what Charlamagne did to her.”

Charlamagne’s attorney Michael Weinsten issued a statement to RadarOnline.

Read More: Charlamagne Tha God’s Rape Accuser Takes Case To State Supreme Court: Report

“We are confident that Ms. Reid’s meritless civil lawsuit in which she represents herself will be promptly dismissed. This is the same sexual assault claim that was fully investigated and dismissed by authorities in South Carolina more than 21 years ago.”

“At that time, my client voluntarily submitted his DNA, and it was confirmed his DNA was not found in her rape kit. It is also the same matter that Ms. Reid tried to re-open in 2018 that the South Carolina Solicitor General declined to re-open, suggesting among other things it was ‘not ethical’ to do so.”

Reid is suing for unspecified damages.

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Tory Lanez Will Not Testify, Verdict Could Arrive This Week: Report

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The trial that has captivated a global audience for two weeks is finally coming to an end. For over two years, people have speculated about what happened when Megan Thee Stallion was shot in her feet. Following the July 2020 incident, Megan came forward to name former friend Tory Lanez as her attacker. However, Lanez has long denied the allegations and, during trial, suggested that Kelsey Harris pulled the trigger.

Megan former best friend pleaded the fifth but denied culpability, making this case even more chaotic. Crime reporter Meghann Cunniff has been a fixture in updates about this case as she has been in the courthouse at every turn. Today (December 21), closing arguments are to begin. It’s said that Lanez will not be testifying.

Tory Lanez, <a href=Megan Thee Stallion” class=”wp-image-612815″ srcset=”https://editor.urbanlinx.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Screenshot-2022-12-21-at-1.12.05-PM.png 1292w, https://editor.urbanlinx.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Screenshot-2022-12-21-at-1.12.05-PM.png?resize=183,300 183w, https://editor.urbanlinx.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Screenshot-2022-12-21-at-1.12.05-PM.png?resize=768,1259 768w, https://editor.urbanlinx.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Screenshot-2022-12-21-at-1.12.05-PM.png?resize=625,1024 625w, https://editor.urbanlinx.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Screenshot-2022-12-21-at-1.12.05-PM.png?resize=937,1536 937w, https://editor.urbanlinx.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Screenshot-2022-12-21-at-1.12.05-PM.png?resize=1249,2048 1249w, https://editor.urbanlinx.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Screenshot-2022-12-21-at-1.12.05-PM.png?resize=915,1500 915w” sizes=”(max-width: 1292px) 100vw, 1292px” />
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Read More: Joe Budden Issues Apology To Megan Thee Stallion Amid Tory Lanez Trial

Following yesterday’s proceedings, there were questions about whether or not Lanez would take the stand. It was stated that if so, he would open up a can of worms: his music videos and lyrics would be used as evidence.

An eye witness who lived near where the shooting occurred shook things up after they testified. Sean Kelly called the police after allegedly seeing the fray, and he was called as a defense witness. Yet, Kelly did anything but clear Lanez of responsibility.

He did, however, testify that he saw the first shot fired by a woman. Kelly also stated he witnessed Megan and Kelsey in a physical altercation. After Kelsey allegedly fired the first shot, Kelly said a short man shot at Megan multiple times, as well. It was argued by the defense that Lanez didn’t fire any shots.

Tory Lanez, Megan Thee Stallion
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Read More: Judge Reveals Tory Lanez’s Lyrics & Music Videos Could Be “Fair Game” If Rapper Testifies

Additionally, another report states that the fourth person with Megan, Lanez, and Harris was in court, but did not testify. The prosecution reportedly asked for more time, a week, but could agree with the defense. So, both sides rested their cases, and the jury has been instructed on how to proceed.

It is speculated that a verdict can arrive as early as tomorrow. Stay tuned in as we update you on the conclusion of this case.

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Megan Thee Stallion’s Ex-BFF Kelsey’s Diss Track Entered Into Evidence

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It’s Day 6 of the Tory Lanez trial, and the week has kicked off with a bang. Megan Thee Stallion’s former stylist was said to have testified today. Additionally, reporter Meghann Cuniff stated, “There is an issue wth a juror that is being discussed in private.”

Cuniff added there wasn’t context given as to what the concern may have been. “But the juror, a younger light-skinned Black woman with braided hair and a style of dress that included pink cheetah print pants last week, was asked to stay behind.”

Read More: Megan Thee Stallion’s “Missing” Guard Said To Be At FIFA World Cup, Other Security Denies Rumour

Later, it was reported that a juror was in an elevator with Lanez and his team on more than one occasion. James Queally of The Los Angeles Times wrote: “There was an ‘incident’ with a juror, per judge, but was not explained. But I did end up an elevator with Lanez, his security and PR folks today, and that specific juror was in there.”

“I did not see them talking or hear any discussion of the case.”

Queally also added that it would be the defense’s turn to lay their case out for the court. It was further stated that Kelsey Harris’ diss track to Megan, “Bussin Back,” would be entered into evidence. Therefore, her lyrics will be analyzed.

Read More: Joe Budden On Megan Thee Stallion: “I Don’t Like That Girl”

In the song, Harris accused Megan of lying to the District Attorney about her, but there were other seemingly damaging references.

It was all good, yeah, about a week ago (About a week ago)
Shout out Bobby Shmurda but this b*tch is really tweaking, bro
If I was the one with the gun you would’ve heard about a murder (R.I.P.)
Said her back was turned but that girl know who really hurt her (I ain’t hurt you, bitch)
Never been a jealous friend and the people really know it (Nah never been)
If you would’vе kept it silent then I would’vе been told it (Bitch)
See I really thought I knew you, thought that you would keep it G
If you wanna talk gangsta, b*tch, I’m really from the street
Imagine lying to the D.A. saying I took some hush money (Huh?)
Put a muzzle on your friends, y’all acting like some crash dummies (Skrrt)

Expect much more about this case this week. The verdict in Harvey Weinstein’s trial stole the spotlight today (December 19), but the public is impatiently waiting for the Tory Lanez trial to conclude.

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Kelsey Harris Tapes Played In Court, Says She Saw Tory Lanez Shoot Megan

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The trial involving Tory Lanez, Megan Thee Stallion, and Kelsey Nicole Harris is playing out like a soap opera. No one knew what to expect when it was first announced that Harris would testify for the prosecution. She and her former best friend Megan Thee Stallion have been at odds ever since the rapper was shot in July 2020. There were diss tracks, Livestreams, and insults thrown—but it was believed that when the trial began, the world would receive answers.

That hasn’t necessarily been the case, especially after Harris took the stand. Court reporters who were watching the trial firsthand stated Harris testified she couldn’t remember much of anything, particularly as it pertained to Tory’s actions that fateful evening. However, because she claimed the prosecution pressured her during her interview with them, a judge allowed the 80-minute conversation to be played in court.

Read More: Kelsey Harris’ Texts About Tory Lanez Allegedly “Dragging” Her Admitted In Trial: Report

Harris testified that she didn’t see Lanez with a gun, nor did she see him shoot Megan. Yet, on the audio, Harris went into specific detail about what she witnessed that evening. She claimed that Lanez and Megan were arguing, and then, Lanez referred to the women as “b*tches and hoes.”

Cuniff reports that Harris did say Lanez threatened to shoot her. She responded, “If you shoot me, you shoot me, I guess it’s my time to go.” The fight shifted to “artistry” as Megan insulted Lanez by saying he’s only famous for being on a Jack Harlow remix.

Harris said, “I can’t remember what he was telling her, but they started hitting each other with their careers as artists.” Megan reportedly got out of the vehicle and walked away, but Harris didn’t know a shooting occurred until the second or third shot. She claimed she saw Lanez shooting at Megan over the passenger side door.

Tory Lanez, Kelsey Harris, Megan Thee Stallion
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Read More: Megan Thee Stallion’s Attorney Believes Kelsey Harris Was “Compromised”

Harris also told prosecutors that she was upset with Megan for not publicly defending her. There were online rumors that Harris was responsible and she believed the rapper should have come forward.

“Kelsey said she told Meg that people were threatening her and her family,” reporter Meghann Cuniff tweeted. “And articles about the LAPD officers stopping them at gunpoint and arresting both Tory and Kelsey were fueling speculation. But when Meg ‘made that post, there was no protection.’”

“Kelsey tells prosecutors about Meg, ‘As my best friend, she could have said something.’” Adding, “‘She left me in the hot seat…So I’m upset because she didn’t clear my name.’ She laments that ‘people think I took hush money.’ ‘It’s not fair, because I didn’t betray her,’ Kelsey says.”

Tory Lanez, Kelsey Harris, Megan Thee Stallion
Twitter

There is much to unpack, but check out more from Meghann Cuniff below.

Tory Lanez, Kelsey Harris, Megan Thee Stallion
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Tory Lanez, Kelsey Harris, Megan Thee Stallion
Twitter
Tory Lanez, Kelsey Harris, Megan Thee Stallion
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Kelsey Harris’ Texts About Tory Lanez Allegedly “Dragging” Her Admitted In Trial: Report

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The case against Tory Lanez is reading more like a soap opera, thanks to the surprising testimony from Kelsey Harris. Megan Thee Stallion’s former best friend was one of four witnesses to the July 2020 shooting. Lanez is accused of firing the shots that injured the Houston hitmaker. However, he has pointed the finger at Harris, saying she shot Megan following a fight.

Today (December 15), Harris took the stand for the second day in a row, and her testimony this time around was just as confusing as previously. According to courthouse reporters, Harris testified that she lied about Lanez assaulting her because the prosecution pressured her. Additionally, she stated she learned from Megan’s “team” that the rapper wasn’t shot but only stepped on glass.

Read More: Kelsey Harris Granted Immunity In Tory Lanez Trial

“Maybe the most significant development this morning at Tory Lanez trial came after Kelsey Harris left the stand,” wrote reporter James Queally. “The prosecution is seeking permission to play her entire recorded interview from September 2022.”

“On cross-examination, defense attorney George Mgdesyan began to ask questions implying the prosecution had pressured Harris to testify,” he added. “And DDA Alexander Bott is arguing this has opened the door to playing the tape to defend the integrity of the prosecution.”

Also, the doctor who performed emergency surgery on Megan immediately following the shooting showed X-rays to the court.

Read More: Megan Thee Stallion’s Ex-BFF Kelsey Named As Shooter By Tory Lanez Defense: Report

On the stand, Harris was reminded by prosecutors that her immunity doesn’t cover perjury. She initially said she saw Lanez shoot Megan and texted the rapper’s bodyguard to help. Yet, Harris now denies witnessing anything.

She now claims she heard gunshots but didn’t see the shooting occur. She also denied she saw Megan limping. Harris told the defense attorney that she wasn’t contacted by Lanez or his lawyers, and she didn’t feel intimidated by them. She also denied being paid hush money, but yesterday (December 14), Harris admitted that Lanez did offer to give her $1 million. She said he didn’t mention a shooting.

Read More: Megan Thee Stallion’s Ex-BFF Kelsey Harris Backtracks On Previous Statements

Because she called the prosecution’s intent into question, a judge did allow specific text messages to be entered. In one sent to Megan on the evening of the shooting, Harris told her former friend that her back and neck hurt “from the fighting & him dragging me out of the car by my hair.”

She reportedly said she sent those texts due to “panic” and didn’t recall sending them. Now, the world speculates not only about the outcome of this trial but if Harris will face charges in the future.

Meanwhile, Lanez’s defense is that Harris pulled the trigger and shot Megan. Both he and Harris were found with gunpowder residue.

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Megan Thee Stallion’s Attorney Believes Kelsey Harris Was “Compromised”

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For years, people believed Tory Lanez’s trial would reveal what happened that fateful night with Megan Thee Stallion and Kelsey Harris. However, just days into the trial, the public is left with more questions than they are answers. Megan was shot in the foot in July 2020 after leaving a Hollywood Hills party at Kylie Jenner’s house. The Houston rapper insisted that Lanez was the person responsible, but he denies the allegations. Still, he faces three felony charges related to the event.

It was believed that Harris would be the missing link to give more perspective into what occurred. However, when she took the stand yesterday (December 14), she seemingly muddled the story further. Harris backtracked on comments she told to prosecutors during an interview in September. It was then that she said she saw Lanez with the gun and revealed he allegedly threatened to shoot her, as well.

Read More: Megan Thee Stallion’s Ex-BFF Kelsey Harris Backtracks On Previous Statements

Yet, on the stand, Harris said she lied to prosecutors. Megan’s former best friend pleaded the fifth and said she didn’t remember or didn’t recall key moments of the incident. Recordings for her interview with the prosecution were played in court, but Harris was unmoved.

She was also questioned about Lanez allegedly offering to pay for her lawyer. The prosecution wanted to know if he actually did, but Harris answered she didn’t remember. However, she did confirm that Lanez offered to give her $1 million, but she added he didn’t say what the money was for, suggesting it didn’t have anything to do with the shooting.

As Harris is slated to return to the stand today, the public has been unrelenting. She has been accused of taking a bribe from Lanez, but that hasn’t been confirmed.

Read More: Keri Hilson Believes Kelsey Harris Was Bribed By Tory Lanez

Alex Spiro, Megan’s lawyer, spoke exclusively with The Shade Room about Harris changing her testimony in court.

“It just shows she was compromised. Whether a threat or bribe, but we’re looking into it,” said Spiro. “Offered money and then changes testimony; we’ll let your readers decide.”

Meanwhile, the prosecution reportedly granted Harris immunity. Lanez’s defense is that Harris was the person who shot Megan. Gunpowder residue was reportedly found on her and Lanez.

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