Rapper Tory Lanez, alias Daystar Peterson, was hastily transported to a hospital after enduring a grueling 14 stab wounds inside a California prison. On Monday morning, within the confines of the California Correctional Institution in Tehachapi, situated approximately 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of Los Angeles, Lanez was savagely attacked by a fellow inmate, as confirmed by prison authorities to the BBC.
The 32-year-old hip-hop artist, who is currently serving a decade-long sentence for shooting fellow musician Megan Thee Stallion in 2020, bore multiple wounds across his body, causing both lungs to collapse, as detailed in an Instagram post on his behalf. The Canadian star was stabbed repeatedly in his back, torso, head, and face. Initially requiring assistance with breathing via a ventilator, Lanez has since regained the ability to breathe autonomously, the post further revealed.
"Despite the excruciating pain, he converses normally, remains in high spirits, and is profoundly grateful to God for pulling through this ordeal," the post added.
The assault transpired at around 07:20 local time (15:20 GMT), according to Pedro Calderón Michel of the state's corrections department. Prison staff swiftly initiated first aid measures before transferring Lanez to a nearby medical facility for comprehensive treatment.
An investigation into the stabbing incident is currently underway, Mr. Calderón Michel informed the BBC, declining to speculate on the attacker's motives.
Lanez was sentenced in 2023 for three felony gun-related charges, including assault with a semi-automatic firearm, stemming from an incident where he shot Megan Thee Stallion, whose real name is Megan Pete, as they exited a pool party hosted by reality star Kylie Jenner in Hollywood.
During the trial, Megan Thee Stallion testified about an argument that erupted between them inside a vehicle concerning their past sexual relationship and careers. She recounted demanding to be let out of the vehicle, upon which Lanez commenced shooting at the ground and shouted for her to "dance." She subsequently underwent surgery to remove bullet fragments from her foot.
Lanez steadfastly refused to apologize and maintained his innocence throughout the ordeal. The case polarized the hip-hop community, with rappers such as 50 Cent and Iggy Azalea taking sides. Some even penned letters to the court advocating for leniency in Lanez's sentencing.
Prior to his conviction, Lanez boasted seven US top 10 albums in seven years. Even from behind bars, he has hinted at the impending release of a new prison album titled Peterson.
