Tory Lanez has shared an open letter through which he asks for a brand new trial after he was discovered responsible of capturing Megan Thee Stallion in July 2020.
The rapper’s legal professionals Jose Baez and Matthew Barhoma filed a movement for a brand new trial final month, citing a number of grounds for re-trial in paperwork seen by Rolling Stone. Among the many arguments is a declare that the decide within the trial, which wrapped final December, barred a good trial by “erroneously” permitting jurors to view a social media submit through which it was alleged that Thee Stallion’s now-estranged finest pal Kelsey Harris was not the shooter.
Now, Lanez has had his personal say on the matter. The letter, addressed to Los Angeles County District Legal professional George Gascón, makes a number of accusations in opposition to Deputy District Attorneys Kathy Ta and Alex Bott, together with the allegation that they unlawfully misused their authority to “disguise and suppress any and all exculpatory proof that exonerates me, or furthers my innocence”.
The movement Lanez’s legal professionals filed made no reference to any notion of withholding proof.
“Pricey George Gascón, I write this message with the utmost humility, love and respect for the outstanding stance you’ve taken with regard to combating for the justice of Black and Brown minorities,” the letter started.
“Right this moment I take a stance as an harmless Black man, wrongfully convicted of against the law I did NOT commit. I’ve watched two district attorneys out of your workplace by the names of Kathy Ta and Alex Bott unlawfully misuse their authority to cover and suppress any and all exculpatory proof that exonerates me, or furthers my innocence. I used to be utterly robbed and disadvantaged of a good trial.
“On Might 8, my legal professionals shall be arguing a movement for a brand new trial. Not solely do I owe it to myself to combat for my freedom, however I owe it to my 6 12 months outdated baby, my household, followers and most significantly the a whole lot and 1000’s of Black and Hispanic minorities that can’t adequately combat for themselves. For 3 years, the prosecution has manipulated a false narrative, that has left me with no selection however to show, and make conscious, the practices, the behind door offers, and the unjust system used to illegally convict me and numerous different minorities. We elected you due to your excellent eminence in making honest and proper judgments in justice of individuals of colour.
“Mr. Gascon, I come to you right this moment as a wrongfully convicted man, not asking for sympathy, nor compassion, however so that you can merely do what’s honest and proper by the legal guidelines of California and most significantly the eyes of God.”
NME has approached the LA County District Legal professional workplace for remark.
In December, Peterson was convicted of all three prices in opposition to him and is dealing with as much as 22 years in jail at sentencing.
Megan Thee Stallion has all the time maintained all through testimony and interviews that Lanez shot her following an argument in an SUV whereas they and Harris have been leaving a celebration at Kylie Jenner’s house.
Earlier this week, Thee Stallion, whose actual identify is Megan Pete, wrote a “ultimate” response to the trial within the type of an essay that was revealed in Elle.
“I don’t wish to name myself a sufferer. As I mirror on the previous three years, I view myself as a survivor, as a result of I’ve really survived the unimaginable,” she wrote. “Not solely did I survive being shot by somebody I trusted and regarded an in depth pal, however I overcame the general public humiliation of getting my identify and status dragged via the mud by that particular person for all the world to see.”
Discussing the decision, Megan Thee Stallion described the occasion as “a victory for each girl who has ever been shamed, dismissed, and blamed for a violent crime dedicated in opposition to them,” and a step in the proper route for many who don’t “match the profile of a sufferer”.