Drake shares petition asking for Tory Lanez to be released from prison

Drake calls for release of Tory Lanez from prison in shared petition

In a move that’s stirring debate across the music and social media worlds, Drake has thrown public support behind Tory Lanez. Lanez is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence for the 2020 shooting of Megan Thee Stallion.

This show of solidarity came shortly after news broke that Lanez had been stabbed in prison, sparking both sympathy and backlash. The incident adds another layer of complexity to Lanez’s controversial case—and to Drake’s role as a public figure supporting him.

Tory Lanez’s Prison Stabbing: What We Know

On May 12, 2025, Tory Lanez was stabbed 14 times by fellow inmate Santino Casio at California Correctional Institution in Tehachapi. The injuries were severe, reportedly including collapsed lungs. Lanez was placed on a ventilator initially, but is now recovering and breathing on his own, according to AP News.

The incident shocked fans and fueled conversation about prison safety, particularly for high-profile inmates. It also gave rise to an outpouring of support from Lanez’s fan base—many of whom have remained loyal despite his conviction.

Drake’s Instagram Post Changes the Narrative

Just days after the stabbing, Drake reposted a petition on Instagram calling for Lanez’s release. He added the caption: “@torylanez come home soon,” linking to a petition that had already garnered over 230,000 signatures.

This wasn’t just a casual repost. Drake’s endorsement gave the petition viral traction and amplified calls for Lanez’s freedom—despite the fact that Lanez was convicted of shooting Megan Thee Stallion in 2020.

Supporters saw it as a show of friendship. Critics saw it as tone-deaf and dismissive of the trauma Megan endured. As one of the most influential artists in the world, Drake’s actions carry weight—and scrutiny.

A Complicated History: Drake and Tory Lanez

Drake and Lanez haven’t always been on friendly terms. The two had a long-running feud in the mid-2010s, exchanging subtle jabs and lyrical shots. By 2017, they publicly squashed their beef, even performing together on stage in Toronto.

Since then, their relationship has appeared more amicable, though they’ve kept their collaborations minimal. Drake’s recent gesture, however, marks his strongest public support for Lanez to date.

Whether this is rooted in personal loyalty or a belief in Lanez’s innocence, it’s clear the move reignited their association—this time, under much more controversial circumstances.

Megan Thee Stallion’s Remains Silent And Brave

While Megan Thee Stallion hasn’t issued a public statement about Drake’s Instagram post, the silence is telling. She’s long been vocal about the emotional toll the shooting and trial have taken on her.

In her victim impact statement during the sentencing phase, Megan said Lanez “told lies to the public” and attempted to destroy her character. She also received a five-year restraining order against him.

Megan’s supporters argue that Drake’s post undermines the progress being made in believing and supporting Black women who come forward about abuse.

Petition for Lanez’s Release Gains Momentum

The petition Drake shared isn’t new, but his support gave it a second wind. The call for Tory Lanez’s freedom, found on Change.org, argues that he didn’t receive a fair trial and deserves leniency. Supporters claim there were inconsistencies in the evidence and bias in public perception.

Opponents argue the facts are clear: a jury found Lanez guilty of three felony counts, including assault with a semiautomatic weapon.

The petition has now surpassed 230,000 signatures. It’s a polarizing milestone that showcases how deeply divided the public remains.

The Legal Battle Isn’t Over Yet

Lanez’s legal team has filed an appeal, continuing to fight the 10-year sentence he received in August 2023. The case centers around the July 2020 incident, when Lanez was accused of shooting at Megan’s feet after a party in the Hollywood Hills.

During the trial, prosecutors presented text messages, witness testimony, and medical reports supporting Megan’s version of events. Lanez did not testify. The jury deliberated for two days before reaching a guilty verdict.

With the appeal underway, Lanez’s team hopes for a reduced sentence or a retrial.

Celebrity Influence and Responsibility

Drake’s actions raise broader questions: What is the role of a celebrity when it comes to justice? Should artists speak out on behalf of friends, even when those friends have been convicted of serious crimes?

This debate isn’t new. Celebrities often face backlash when they publicly support controversial figures. Still, Drake’s influence is unique. With over 150 million Instagram followers, his endorsement can shift narratives—and, in this case, reframe public sympathy.

The backlash isn’t just about Lanez. It’s about how society treats victims, particularly Black women, and whether the entertainment industry prioritizes loyalty over accountability.

The Long History of Hip-Hop Feuds and Redemption

Feuds and fallouts have long defined hip-hop culture. From Tupac and Biggie to Jay-Z and Nas, the genre thrives on personal conflict, loyalty, and redemption arcs.

But today’s audiences are more socially conscious. There’s a growing expectation for accountability, especially when violence is involved. Fans are no longer just passive listeners—they’re active participants in holding artists accountable for their actions.

Lanez’s situation, and Drake’s support of him, represents a crossroads: where hip-hop tradition collides with modern values

Drake’s decision to publicly support Tory Lanez has reignited a highly sensitive conversation—one that touches on celebrity influence, accountability, justice, and survivor support.

While Lanez recovers from his stabbing and continues his appeal, the public remains deeply divided. One thing is clear: every move in this case, especially from high-profile voices like Drake’s, carries weight far beyond music.

The story is still unfolding. And as it does, fans, critics, and cultural commentators will be watching—and weighing in.