crime

Tory Lanez’s Lawyer Is “Confident” Rapper Will Win Megan Thee Stallion Case

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Tory Lanez’s legal team remains optimistic about the outcome of the Megan Thee Stallion shooting case.

As the jury selection process kicks off, the court allowed the rapper to remove the ankle monitor that kept him on house arrest. However, he’s now facing new charges related to the alleged shooting of Megan Thee Stallion.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 11: Tory Lanez attends Shaq’s Fun House presented by FTX at Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall on February 11, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Following his appearance in court, the prosecutors added another a third felony charge against the Canadian rapper. In addition to charges of assault with a semiautomatic firearm and carrying a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle — both of which he pled not guilty — he faces a new charge of discharging a firearm with gross negligence.

The new charges carry harsh penalties. The charge of discharging a firearm with gross negligence falls under being a “deportable crime.” At the same time, it could amount to as much as a six year sentence. In that case, Tory would serve that sentence concurrently with other convictions.

George Mgdesyan, Tory’s lawyer, explained they expect the jury to find Tory not guilty of all charges.

“We are confident that at the conclusion of this trial the truth will come out and Mr. Peterson will be exonerated of all charges,” Mgdesyan said.

Shortly after, Tory expressed a similar sentiment online, writing, “No weapon formed against me shall prosper…. EVER.”

He reiterated the message afterward, writing, “I’m going to leave this here one more time …and watch how it ages … NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST ME SHALL PROSPER … AND EVERY TONGUE THAT RISES AGAINST ME IN JUDGEMENT SHALL BE CONDEMNED u sit and watch now …. And don’t ever question the GOD I serve again . This is my last tweet.”

Tory Lanez continued to maintain his innocence since the allegations first emerged. This week, reports emerged that his legal team suggested Kylie Jenner and Corey Gamble could potentially testify in the case. As previously reported, Megan and Tory were at a party at Kylie Jenner’s place before the shooting occurred.

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Lil Wayne Claims Self-Defense In Ex-Assistant Assault Case

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Lil Wayne fired back at claims that he assaulted his former assistant on a private jet. According to RadarOnline, the New Orleans rapper is claiming self-defense in the case.

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JULY 20: Lil Wayne attends the 2022 ESPYs at Dolby Theatre on July 20, 2022 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)

In the latest development, Weezy denied all wrongdoing in the case against him. His ex-assistant, Andrew Williams, previously claimed that the rapper assaulted him on a private jet. In fact, he demanded the court toss out the entire suit altogether.

Weezy denied harming Williams in any capacity before “claiming” that the ex-assistant failed to “exercise reasonable care and diligence” to avoid the alleged damage in the case. Furthermore, the Young Money founder denied Williams was not wrongfully terminated.

Williams filed a lawsuit against Lil Wayne, Young Money, and Signature Flight Support earlier this year. He accused Wayne of assault, battery, and inflicting emotional distress. However, Young Money and Signature Flight support face accusations of termination and negligence.

Williams alleged Wayne got into an argument with the pilot of the private jet, which is when he attempted to intervene. Though he may have tried to de-escalate the situation, he claimed Wayne turned around and struck him with a closed fist.

“The combination of a closed fist and the numerous rings and large jewelry on the hands of [Wayne] caused great harm to [Williams],” the suit said. The lawsuit also claims Lil Wayne was “willful and malicious” in order to cause injuries.

Williams added that he left the private jet to get medical attention at a hospital. Afterward, he received an email where someone from Wayne’s team demanded that he return a backpack and a Bluetooth speaker belonging to the rapper. Williams said that the email did not mention anything related to the incident.

The former assistant claims that he suffered emotional and physical damages as a result of the assault. He added that Lil Wayne humiliated him greatly throughout the whole ordeal.

A judge hasn’t ruled on Lil Wayne’s latest filing but we’ll keep you updated on the case.

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Tory Lanez Tweets Bible Verses Following Megan Thee Stallion Hearing

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After over two years of speculation, the world is about to discover what may have happened between Megan Thee Stallion and Tory Lanez. The former friends were once thick as thieves; however, an incident in July 2020 would change their lives forever. It was then that Megan was injured outside of a Hollywood Hills mansion as Lanez was arrested. She later came forward to accuse Lanez of shooting her in the foot—a charge he denied since the onset.

This week, Lanez received an additional charge of negligent discharge of a firearm. He already faced charges of assault with a semiautomatic firearm and carrying a loaded and unregistered firearm, according to TMZ. Hours ago, he returned to Twitter with what he called his “last tweet,” and it once again divided pop culture.

Read More: Tory Lanez Faces 3rd Felony Charge In Megan Thee Stallion Case: Report

“I’m going to leave this here one more time …and watch how it ages,” the singer-rapper wrote. “NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST ME SHALL PROSPER … AND EVERY TONGUE THAT RISES AGAINST ME IN JUDGEMENT SHALL BE CONDEMNED u sit and watch now …. And don’t ever question the GOD I serve again . This is my last tweet.”

Lanez’s supporters interpreted this as his way of saying he was confident that the trial would end in his favor. There has been a divide, especially within Hip Hop culture, about this case. Megan has repeatedly stated that Lanez, and no one else, was her assailant. However, with Lanez’s adamant enthusiasm that he did not pull the trigger, others have deemed the Houston rapper a liar.

Read More: Tory Lanez & Prince From “Love & Hip-Hop” Settle Alleged Assault Cases

This is a trial that many have been waiting for, if not just to hear the end of the ongoing saga. DJ Akademiks has been vocal for years as he seemingly sides with Lanez in this court battle. He has claimed to have looked at court documents and alleges that Megan isn’t telling the truth.

The trial is set to begin next week. Check back with us as we continue to cover updates about the case.

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Takeoff Update: Alleged Killer Wants Judge To Help Fund Defense

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It’s only been just over a month since Takeoff was tragically shot and killed at a private party in Houston. Last week, Houston police arrested and charged the alleged gunman, Patrick Xavier Clark, with murder in Takeoff’s sudden death.

Clark is now claiming that he is unable to afford the hiring of a private investigator. Since he will need one to start building his defense, the accused is asking a judge for the money.

Rapper Takeoff of the hip hip group Migos performs on the Sahara stage during week 1, day 3 of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 15, 2018 in Indio, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images for Coachella )

According to legal documents obtained by TMZ, Clark is asking for an initial sum of $5,000. He claims he needs the money in order to hire a private investigator. He’s “financially unable to cover the costs,” according to the papers.

The alleged murderer claims to have already found a P.I. who will work on the case for a reduced rate of $85/hour. He just doesn’t have the money to pay for it himself.

The docs are also claiming that Clark’s family is unable to financially assist, as they’ve spent all of their money on his attorney. 

The attorney is further arguing that a private investigator is necessary for the Takeoff case. In order to “properly investigate [Clark’s] case and to prepare effectively for trial,” he claims.

The accused 33-year-old is a known DJ in the Houston area who goes by DJ Pat, according to DJ Akademiks. 

Recent reports indicate that although he claims innocence, Clark is “nervous and concerned” to appear in court. The funeral service for Takeoff took place at State Farm Arena in his hometown of Atlanta on November 11. A star-studded guest list made appearances to pay respect to their late friend. 

Justin Bieber, Alicia Keys and Chlöe Bailey were among those who performed tributes for the sold-out crowd of 20,000. Make sure to stay tuned to HNHH with the latest updates in the trial.

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Tory Lanez Faces 3rd Felony Charge In Megan Thee Stallion Case: Report

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As jury selection is currently underway, Tory Lanez is reportedly facing his third felony charge in the Megan Thee Stallion shooting case, this time for negligent discharge of a firearm.

The “Say It” rapper is also looking at charges for assault with a semiautomatic firearm and carrying a loaded and unregistered firearm, according to TMZ. Following the August 2020 incident, Lanez pleaded not guilty to the charges and has publicly denied shooting Megan.

Read More: Tory Lanez Released From House Arrest Amid Megan Thee Stallion Trial

The Texas native accused Lanez of shooting her in the foot back in 2020, alleging on Instagram Live, “Yes, this n*gga Tory shot me. You shot me, and you got your publicist and your people going to these blogs lying and sh*t. Stop lying.”

“It’s only four motherf*ckas in the car. Me, you, my homegirl, and your security,” Megan also stated on the live stream. “Everybody in the car arguing. I’m in the front seat, this n*gga in the backseat.”

Claiming that she exited the vehicle and began walking away, Megan continued, “This n*gga, from out the backseat of the car, started shooting me. You shot me.”

READ MORE: Megan Thee Stallion Granted Restraining Order Against Label: Report

Lanez questions whether she had ever been shot in the foot in his song “Money Over Fallouts.” This has reportedly been a point of contention in the court case, as well.

The 30-year-old states on the 2020 track, “Gotta see a couple questions: How the f*ck you get shot in your foot, don’t hit no bones or tendons?”

He also says in the song, “Girl, you had the nerve to write that statement on that affidavit. Knowin’ I ain’t do it but I’m comin’ at my truest. Tryna keep this s**t two hunnid with you, shorty, I can prove it. But them people in yo ear, they the true ones that I fear.“

A judge ordered Lanez to not publicly speak about the incident in February 2021, per Page Six.

Read More: Tory Lanez Due In Court For Jury Selection In Megan Thee Stallion Trial Today

In October, HotNewHipHop reported that the Canadian musician had been put on house arrest and given a GPS-tracked ankle monitor to wear until his trial began.

The decision came after Lanez allegedly attacked fellow artist August Alsina. According to the “I Luv This Sh*t” singer, Lanez assaulted him after he refused his handshake, leaving him bloody and hurt. Lanez reportedly no longer has to wear his ankle monitor, as allowed by a judge.

Per TMZ, opening statements for the Megan shooting trial will start sometime next week. Check back with HNHH for any new updates on the ongoing case.

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Suspect In Takeoff’s Murder Case Is “Nervous” & Concerned”: Report

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The shocking death of Takeoff is still felt throughout Hip Hop, but prosecutors believe they found his killer in Patrick Xavier Clark. Arrests have been made in connection to the untimely death of the Migos star, but Clark denies he’s responsible. It was in the wee morning hours of November 1 when Takeoff attended a private party at a Houston bowling alley. A verbal argument ensued and shots were fired, striking the beloved rapper in the head and back. It has been reported by investigators that Takeoff wasn’t involved in the disagreement.

Meanwhile, Clark made his first court appearance this week, where his attorney argued on his behalf. Although Clark didn’t say a word during the hearing, lawyer Letitia Quinones told the judge he was “nervous” and “concerned.” This was because “he’s being charged with something that he believes he’s innocent of, so how would anyone do in that type of circumstance?”

Read More: Takeoff’s Murder Suspect’s Bond Set At $2 Million

In recent press conferences, police have pleaded with the public to help with acquiring information about the case. Although it was stated that upwards of 30 people were in the room when Takeoff was killed, investigators still struggle to find cooperative witnesses.

Additionally, two other people, a man and a woman, sustained gunshot wounds during the incident, but they weren’t life-threatening. The relationship between Clark and Takeoff is unknown; however, the suspect is widely recognized as DJ Pat.

Quinones was questioned about Clark and Takeoff’s connection. “We really don’t want to go into the facts at this point,” she said. Quinones added that this was all a “tragedy and it’s happening well too often in our communities.”

Read More: Takeoff’s Alleged Murderer Planned Mexico Trip Before Arrest 

“There is a lot of investigation that needs to be done,” she stated. “So, we just ask that everyone keep an open mind and let the system do its part and let the Constitution do its part, and that is, right now, he’s innocent until he’s proven guilty.”

The attorney also denied that her client was attempting to flee to Mexico. It was reported that Clark filed for an emergency passport and was arrested with a large sum of cash.

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Trump Organization Found Guilty Of All Counts Of Tax Fraud

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A Manhattan jury officially handed down a guilty verdict in the Trump Organization’s trial surrounding allegations of tax fraud. According to CNN, the court found Trump Corp. and Trump Payroll Corp. guilty of a 15-year tax scheme. They were accused of failing to accurately report and pay taxes on payments to the top executives of the company. The jury found Trump Org. guilty of criminal conduct and criminal tax fraud.

Authorities did not charge Trump or his family in the case. However, authorities mentioned the former president a few times. They believed that Trump had direct connection to issuing benefits. Prosecutors, specifically, focused on personal expenses, car leases, and apartments funded by the company. However, the prosecutor, Joshua Steinglass, argued that Trump played a significant role in sancitioning tax fraud.

“This whole narrative that Donald Trump is blissfully ignorant is just not true,” Steinglass said.

At this point, the company could face paying nearly $1.61M in fines. The Trump Org. will face sentencing in mid-January, but it likely won’t impact the business itself. Trump Organization won’t dissolve under New York State law. On the other hand, a felony conviction would certainly affect the Trump Organization’s ability to do business, receive loans, and land contracts.

WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 09: U.S. President Donald Trump (R) presides over a meeting about immigration with Republican and Democrat members of Congress in the Cabinet Room at the White House January 9, 2018 in Washington, DC. In addition to seeking bipartisan solutions to immigration reform, Trump advocated for the reintroduction of earmarks as a way to break the legislative stalemate in Congress. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

“This was a case about greed and cheating,” Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said. “The Trump Corporation and the Trump Payroll Corporation got away with a scheme that awarded high-level executives with lavish perks and compensation while intentionally concealing the benefits from the taxing authorities to avoid paying taxes. Today’s verdict holds these Trump companies accountable for their long-running criminal scheme.”

Allen Weisselberg, an employee of the company that’s on paid leave, testified in court that he should’ve paid taxes on compensation, which amounted to nearly $200K annually.

We’ll keep you posted on any response from Trump or his reps.

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Bill Cosby Faces Allegations From 5 Women In New Sexual Assault Lawsuit

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Bill Cosby is facing another sexual assault lawsuit after five different women have come forward. All of them are accusing the now-embattled comedian of sexual assault while on the set of The Cosby Show.

The plaintiffs – Lili Bernard, Eden Tirl, Jewel Gittens, Jennifer Thompson and Cindra Ladd – were previously a part of the show’s production throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s.

Bill Cosby arrives at the Montgomery County Courthouse on the first day of sentencing in his sexual assault trial on September 24, 2018 in Norristown, Pennsylvania. In April, Cosby was found guilty on three counts of aggravated indecent assault for drugging and sexually assaulting Andrea Constand at his suburban Philadelphia home in 2004. 60 women have accused the 80 year old entertainer of sexual assault. (Photo by Mark Makela/Getty Images)

TMZ broke the story earlier today (December 6). In the suit, the women claim that Cosby was going to be their mentor. He instead turned into a predator.

Bernard was a guest star in a 1992 episode, in which she played Mrs. Minifield. She claims the 85-year-old drugged and assaulted her several times throughout her time spent on set.

When she threatened to bring his crimes to the police, the alleged victim says he threw her down a flight of stairs. Bernard ended up not reporting anything for fear of her life.

Tirl played the role of a cop on the show. She alleges that she was taken advantage of in a dressing room, with Cosby locking the door behind them.

Gittens claims that she took drugs and went through an assault at the hands of the actor in her own home. At that time, they were planning on discussing a possible role for her on his series.

Thompson alleges that there were pressures forcing her into sexual acts with him. Ladd says she became a victim after passing out from a pill he gave her for a headache.

Cosby was previously serving a 10-year prison sentence for indecent assault. He was surprisingly released last year when prosecutors violated an immunity deal previously given to him by a different attorney.

The father of five and his team markedly continue to deny these allegations and any wrongdoing. However, he has seen accusations of sexual assault from dozens of women over the years.

Cosby’s PR representative, Andrew Wyatt, has told TMZ that these accusers and their claims are not new.

Be sure to check back here for any updates regarding this ongoing lawsuit.

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Elon Musk’s Brain Implant Company Under Investigation For Animal Abuse

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Elon Musk has been at the forefront of global news for some time now. Between his divisive takeover of Twitter and a drastic drop in Tesla stock, Elon has had a less-than-stellar 2022.

To make matters worse for the SpaceX entrepreneur, his medical device company, Neuralink, is facing accusations of animal abuse. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Inspector General is launching an investigation regarding violations of the Animal Welfare Act.

Elon Musk attends The 2022 Met Gala Celebrating “In America: An Anthology of Fashion” at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 02, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)

Neuralink has been working towards developing a brain implant for humans. With technology as advanced as this, the scientific company agrees that researchers must take their time to minimize harm to test subjects.

This is where the 51-year-old seems to diverge from the rest of his colleagues, instead, placing an emphasis on fast-tracking this project. He even recently surprisingly announced that human trials were set to begin within six months. However, Neuralink’s schedule may change due to the animal rights investigation.

Whether it’s amoral or not, animal testing has been standard practice in the field of medicine for a long time and will likely continue. While animals routinely die during these experiments, there are regulations in place that attempt to minimize these casualties.

However, Musk’s expectation of accelerated development has led to an overabundance of botched experiments. In February, reports of over a dozen primates were killed in experiments and this is likely just the beginning.

According to Reuters, Neuralink has killed around 1500 animals since 2018. These animals include rodents, pigs, primates, sheep, and possibly more. Several employees have voiced their concerns over the multi-billionaire’s disregard for policy. Some have even proposed large-scale changes to Neuralink’s testing process.

Elon Musk attends Heidi Klum’s 21st Annual Halloween Party presented by Now Screaming x Prime Video and Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur at Sake No Hana at Moxy Lower East Side on October 31, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images for Heidi Klum)

The leading cause of these botched procedures allegedly comes down to human error. Due to rushed operations, the proper preparations and planning were not fully fleshed out. This resulted in animals receiving implants unsuitably sized and sometimes even incorrect body parts.

With the investigation still underway, this hiccup in Musk’s schedule will likely force him to bump back human trials. Considering the turmoil surrounding Neuralink at the moment, this may be for the best.

Do you think the new CEO of Twitter has gone too far? Or are you ready to preorder Neuralink’s brain implant? Let us know in the comments and finally, check out Doja Cat’s interaction with the new king of Twitter here.

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