court case

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
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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
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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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Keri Hilson Believes Kelsey Harris Was Bribed By Tory Lanez

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These days, just about everyone has something to say about the trial involving Megan Thee Stallion and Tory Lanez. This week, court proceedings kicked off with a bang as Megan and her former best friend, Kelsey Nicole Harris, took the stand. From the onset of Harris’s testimony, she reportedly pleaded the fifth because she didn’t want to incriminate herself. Prosecutors went on record to state that anything Harris said during her testimony would not be used as information to file charges at a later date. After being granted immunity, Harris gave her side of the story.

In July 2020, Harris, Megan, Lanez, and Lanez’s bodyguard were together when a shooting occurred. According to Harris, Megan and Tory argued at Kylie Jenner’s house and were asked to leave. Harris confirmed that the argument continued when they got into Lanez’s vehicle.

Read More: Kelsey Harris Granted Immunity In Tory Lanez Trial

She also told the court that it was “ridiculous” to suggest that she was the person who shot Megan. The Houston rapper has insisted for years, and on the stand, that Lanez shot at her upwards of five times as he told her, “Dance, b*tch.”

Megan previously accused Harris of taking a bribe from Lanez. She testified that Lanez offered her and Harris $1 million each to keep quiet. Harris denied she took any money.

Conversations regarding why Harris pleaded the fifth have stormed the internet. People usually do this when they have some culpability in a crime, and Keri Hilson, like many others, believes that Harris did, indeed, take money from Lanez.

“It’s giving she took the money Tory allegedly offered Megan to keep quiet,” Hilson wrote in Hollywood Unlocked’s comment section.

Read More: Ben Simmons Reacts To Rumors He Slept With Megan Thee Stallion & Her Ex-BFF Kelsey

She continued: “I know she & Megan fell out, but after reading her testimony transcripts, it was obvious (and strange) that she didn’t even wanna defend herself from Defense’s implications. It’s giving ‘guilt of betrayal’ and hush money to me.”

Meanwhile, court reporters have been taking to social media with real-time updates about the trial. While Harris’s testimony supports Megan’s account of Lanez allegedly shooting the rapper, there are several places where their stories don’t align.

Check out a few updates below to get the full scope of Kelsey Harris’s testimony below.

Gunna To Be Released From Jail After Pleading Guilty: Report

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After several failed attempts at bond, Gunna just may be coming home. The rapper has remained incarcerated for most of 2022 after being arrested on RICO charges. Gunna, Young Thug, and two dozen of their purported associates are charged with being a part of a criminal organization: YSL. However, it has been contested that YSL is a record label, not a street gang.

Several celebrities have advocated for Gunna’s release, including Kim Kardashian. She emphasized that Gunna hasn’t been charged with a violent crime, therefore, he should be granted bail. His defense team tried effortlessly to obtain a bond for the rapper, but a judge repeatedly denied the requests.

MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 07: Gunna attends the TAG Heuer Miami Prix at Jungle Plaza on May 7, 2022 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by John Parra/Getty Images for TAG Heuer)
Read More: Gunna Shares Message On IG Story: “God Is Good”

Today (December 14), WSB-TV reported that Gunna “has pleaded guilty to a racketeering conspiracy charge,” but it is unclear when he will be released. He was reportedly in court today as he officially entered his “negotiated plea” or the “Alford plea.” The outlet described it as pleading “guilty on one charge because it was in his best interest while maintaining his innocence on the same charge.”

The “Pushin P” hitmaker’s deal means he was tacked with a five-year sentence, but it doesn’t look like Gunna will spend any time in jail. One year of his sentence was commuted to time served, and the remainder has been suspended. It’s reported that instead, Gunna will have to adhere to certain conditions including “500 hours of community service.”

Read More: Young Thug Receives More Charges As He & Gunna Await RICO Trial

The rapper released a statement:

“While I have agreed to always be truthful, I want to make it perfectly clear that I have NOT made any statements, have NOT been interviewed, have NOT cooperated, have NOT agreed to testify or be a witness for or against any party in the case and have absolutely NO intention of being involved in the trial process in any way.”

Meanwhile, Young Thug remains incarcerated. He was hit with several more charges in recent days. Thugger is slated for trial in early 2023.

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Megan Thee Stallion Heckled At Courthouse, Takes The Stand

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We’re not even 48 hours into the trial against Tory Lanez and it has already made for interesting revelations. Lanez is facing several felony accounts and stands accused of shooting Megan Thee Stallion in the foot in July 2020. The incident made international headlines and has become a divisive conversation within Hip Hop. The Canadian rapper-singer-producer insists he wasn’t the person who fired the shots, but Megan counters by doubling down that she saw him shoot her.

Opening statements occurred yesterday (December 13), and today, the Houston hitmaker was filmed entering the courthouse. A swarm of supporters of both sides assembled outside of the building, including a group who were holding a large banner in solidarity with Megan. However, not everyone was there to give her well wishes.

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

In one clip, as Megan is escorted by security, someone in the crowd is heard shouting at her. “Why you lyin’ on that boy?!” someone repeatedly yelled. She was silent as she entered the courthouse, but according to reports, she gave her truth while on the stand. It was stated that Megan was questioned for approximately 45 minutes and became “nervous,” saying she was still in disbelief that this was occurring.

“She entered court around 11:15 a.m. to shouts of support in the hallway,” wrote Los Angeles Times crime reporter James Queally. “Tory Lanez did not look at her when she entered.” He added that Megan testified the argument with Lanez began because she was ready to leave Kylie Jenner’s party. Lanez allegedly wasn’t ready to go and “had an attitude” when they got in the car.

Lanez told Megan, “You need to stop lying to your friend,” meaning Kelsey Harris. The rapper wanted out of the vehicle, but she couldn’t rush off because “I’m in the peak of being famous and I’m in a thong.”

Read More: Ben Simmons Reacts To Rumors He Slept With Megan Thee Stallion & Her Ex-BFF Kelsey

Megan told the court Lanez did stop and let her out of the vehicle. During the shooting, Megan says Lanez yelled “dance b*tch” and fired five times. “I’m in shock. I’m scared. I hear the gun going off. I can’t believe he’s shooting at me.”

“Asked why she didn’t report shooting to LAPD during the vehicle stop: ‘At this time we are at the height of police brutality… I felt if I said this man had shot me, they might shoot first and ask questions later,” reported Queally. “I don’t feel safe in the car, I don’t feel safe with the police.”

Megan added: “First of all in the Black community, in my community, it’s not really acceptable to be cooperating with police officers.” She also addressed Drake allegedly referencing the incident on Her Loss, suggesting Megan was lying.

“The whole situation in the industry is like a big boy’s club,” she reportedly testified. “Like I’m telling on one of y’all friends, now you’re all about to hate me.”

Check out more from Megan’s testimony about the incident with Lanez below.

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