Tory Lanez’s pursuit of an appeal in his conviction for the shooting of Megan Thee Stallion took a significant turn this week.
On Wednesday, October 23, Lanez’s legal team filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus, requesting a federal court to review if the Canadian artist’s imprisonment is lawful. Then, on Friday, October 25, the court announced it would review this habeas corpus petition along with Lanez’s pending appeal and a prior motion for habeas corpus. The Attorney General is set to provide a preliminary response to this recent petition by November 20.
Despite online speculation claiming that the court’s decision implies Lanez’s innocence, independent reporter Meghann Cuniff clarified on X (formerly Twitter) that the court has not made any rulings yet. Cuniff explained that the court is merely consolidating Lanez’s appeal and habeas corpus petition for joint consideration, and no conclusions have been drawn.
Cuniff further noted that this habeas corpus petition is entirely new, contrasting with a similar motion filed last year, which reportedly did not receive a response. She suggested that the phrase “good reason appearing” within court documents may have fueled online confusion, emphasizing that it only signifies the importance of reviewing both motions together.
Additionally, Cuniff highlighted that the Attorney General has already responded to Lanez’s initial appeal, emphasizing a phone call Lanez made to Kelsey Harris from jail shortly after the shooting as key evidence in the case
