Tory Lanez held in contempt after explosive deposition walkout in Megan Thee Stallion lawsuit
Tory Lanez held in contempt after refusing to answer questions about Megan Thee Stallion in Defamation case
Tory Lanez’s legal troubles continue to escalate even from behind bars. The Canadian rapper, currently serving a 10-year sentence for shooting Megan Thee Stallion in 2020, has now been held in contempt of court for refusing to answer basic questions during a court-ordered jailhouse deposition. The deposition stems from Megan’s ongoing defamation lawsuit against YouTube blogger Milagro Gramz, whom she accuses of working with Lanez to harass her online.
According to newly filed federal court documents, U.S. Magistrate Judge Lisette M. Reid fined Lanez $20,000 for obstructing the deposition. Ultimately, citing his refusal to answer multiple foundational questions regarding his relationship and communication with Gramz. The judge’s ruling became public as Megan’s defamation trial officially began jury selection in Miami.
Megan Thee Stallion Continues to Rise Despite Years of Public Harassment
While Lanez faces escalating consequences, Megan Thee Stallion’s career continues to flourish. Widely recognized as one of the most influential and dominant artists of her generation. Megan has transformed from viral freestyler to global superstar in just a few years.
Her breakout began in 2019 with Fever, followed by Suga and the explosive success of “Savage.” Which became even bigger with Beyoncé’s remix. Megan’s debut album, Good News, solidified her star status with hits like “Body.” While her second album Traumazine showcased emotional depth and artistic evolution in the wake of her shooting trauma.
She made history as the first female rapper to top the Billboard Global 200 solo with “Hiss,” released under her own label Hot Girl Productions. Her third studio album, Megan (2024), marked her full independence and proved she could thrive without a major label.
Beyond music, she has expanded her presence in film, television, branding, philanthropy, and documentary storytelling. Her 2024 documentary, Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words, offered a powerful lens into healing, resilience, and reclaiming her narrative.
Despite facing years of relentless harassment—from social media trolls, bloggers, and even fellow artists—Megan’s success reflects her strength, cultural impact, and unwavering commitment to protecting Black women’s voices.
Tory Lanez’s Legal Downfall and Rising Consequences
This contempt ruling is the latest in a long list of legal setbacks for Lanez, whose real name is Daystar Peterson. Once a rising star known for genre-blending albums with a bold mixtape experimentation, his career trajectory took a dramatic turn. Specificially, following the July 2020 shooting involving Megan.
Before the incident, Lanez enjoyed commercial success with multiple Billboard 200 entries, including I Told You, Memories Don’t Die, Love Me Now?, Chixtape 5, and Daystar. His fanbase praised his rapid-fire releases and versatility, while collaborations with artists like Rich the Kid and Mansa cemented his mainstream presence.
However, after being convicted in 2023 of assault with a firearm, negligent discharge of a firearm, and possession of a loaded weapon, Lanez’s public image suffered irreversible damage. His sentencing to 10 years in prison marked a historic moment. Specifically, in the legal and cultural conversation surrounding violence against Black women in the entertainment industry.
Now, even behind bars, Lanez’s legal issues continue to mount.
Tory Lanez Reportedly Walked Out and Mocked the Consequences
Court filings reveal that Lanez began his deposition on a confrontational note, first asking what would happen if he simply declined to answer. After being told he could be fined and held in contempt, he allegedly boasted, “Whatever the fines are, I’ll pay them. I’m a millionaire. I don’t care.”
Judge Reid noted that Lanez walked out of the deposition room, called Megan’s lawyer a liar, and refused to answer even the most basic questions. Including how he met Gramz, whether he had communicated with her, or whether they had exchanged messages on Instagram or via text.
The judge recommended that jurors be explicitly informed that Lanez refused to answer the questions, framing it as willful obstruction.
Lanez’s attorney, Crystal Morgan, was also sanctioned.
Megan Thee Stallion’s Lawsuit Against Milagro Gramz Moves Forward
Megan’s lawsuit accuses Gramz (real name Milagro Cooper) of spreading conspiracy theories, false narratives, and intentionally malicious content about her after Lanez’s shooting conviction. Megan alleges Gramz acted as Lanez’s “paid surrogate,” helping fuel online harassment campaigns targeting the rapper in the aftermath of the trial.
Megan previously testified that after she was shot, her life spiraled into a cycle of stress, anxiety, and relentless online abuse—much of which she believes was coordinated. Speaking about the harassment during a January hearing, Megan emotionally stated, “I haven’t been at peace since I been shot… I just want the harassment from the person who shot me to stop.”
Her testimony persuaded Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Richard Bloom to issue a five-year restraining order requiring Lanez to stay at least 100 yards away from her and forbidding any form of intimidation or harassment until 2030.
Tory Lanez’s Career Versus Megan’s Continued Rise
While Megan continues performing on world stages, earning major brand partnerships, and expanding her influence in entertainment, Lanez remains confined both literally and professionally. During his sentence he’s already dealt with violence and drama. Proving that his journey to freedom and redemption won’t be easy.
The contrast between their trajectories underscores the long-term reality of his actions and the consequences that follow.
Lanez will continue serving his 10-year sentence unless granted early release. Meanwhile, his refusal to comply with civil litigation may lead to further penalties—and potential financial damages.
Where the Case Goes From Here
With Lanez’s contempt ruling now on the record, the federal defamation trial centers more squarely on Gramz’s alleged coordination with him. Jurors may hear evidence of Lanez’s unwillingness to answer questions. Adding potential weight to Megan’s claims of a broader harassment campaign.
Meanwhile, Lanez’s refusal to cooperate could complicate his future legal strategy. He is already serving a lengthy sentence, but additional civil liabilities—including financial penalties—could continue to accumulate.
As for Megan, this case represents yet another step in her ongoing effort to protect her peace. Especially, after dealing with years of trauma both inside and outside the courtroom.