Tory Lanez reportedly stabbed in prison, rushed to hospital
Incident at California Correctional Institution Sparks Widespread Concern
Canadian rapper Tory Lanez is currently serving a 10-year sentence for the 2020 shooting of Megan Thee Stallion. He was reportedly stabbed on the morning of May 12, 2025, at the California Correctional Institution in Tehachapi. According to a report from TMZ, Lanez sustained injuries during the incident and was transported by ambulance to a civilian hospital in Bakersfield for treatment. Though early reports describe the injuries as non-life-threatening, the full circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear.
Initial Reports and Viral Spread
TMZ, which published the initial report at 12:45 PM EDT on May 12, cited unnamed sources. This included one reported from law enforcement. It stated that Lanez was attacked in the prison yard and required emergency medical care. Within minutes, multiple X (formerly Twitter) accounts including @Kurrco, @PopCrave, @SaycheeseDGTL, and @Phil_Lewis_ amplified the story, all citing TMZ as the source.
An X post by @Kurrco at 12:51 PM reiterated that the injury was not life-threatening, though specifics about the stabbing or potential suspects were not disclosed. The widespread social media circulation pushed the news to trending status within hours.
Absence of Official Confirmation
As of 1:08 PM EDT on the same day, no other major outlets such as ABC News, CNN, or local affiliates like Bakersfield’s KBAK CBS 29 have independently confirmed the report. Additionally, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has not issued a formal statement. A search of CDCR’s official channels, including @CDCR and @CDCRCareers on X, returned no results regarding the incident. The same holds true for CDCR’s website and press release section.
Without official verification, the accuracy of the report remains uncertain, despite its viral traction. TMZ, however, has a long track record of breaking celebrity-related news that is later confirmed by official sources. Therefore, lending weight to their claims.
Context and Background
Tory Lanez’ legal name is Daystar Shemuel Shua Peterson. He was convicted in December 2022 for shooting Megan Thee Stallion in the foot during a July 2020 altercation. After that, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison on August 8, 2023. Ever since, he has been incarcerated at the California Correctional Institution in Tehachapi, a medium-security facility.
Lanez’s incarceration has remained a topic of public discussion, particularly as he continues to release music and interact with his fanbase. Just last week, he posted a photo from prison looking physically fit and teased a forthcoming album, reportedly produced using AI-generated vocals. This activity has kept his name relevant in hip-hop circles and on social platforms.
Legal Drama and High-Profile Status
The stabbing report comes amid ongoing drama involving Lanez and Megan Thee Stallion. According to TMZ, Megan’s legal team recently accused Lanez of enlisting bloggers to spread misinformation about her online, allegedly violating court orders and public decency norms.
Lanez has also continued to challenge his conviction and sentencing through appeals. His legal team has argued for reduced sentencing and raised concerns about trial fairness, though those appeals have so far failed to overturn his conviction.
Questions Remain
While TMZ claims to have verified the incident through multiple sources, several critical questions are still unanswered:
- What exactly caused the stabbing?
- Was it a targeted attack or part of a broader altercation?
- Who was involved?
- What is Lanez’s current medical condition beyond “non-life-threatening”?
- Will there be disciplinary actions or changes to his housing status within the prison?
The lack of transparency from prison officials, while understandable given the incident’s recency, leaves ample room for speculation.
Public and Industry Reaction
Although celebrities have not yet publicly commented on the incident, social media is already flooded with theories, expressions of concern, and heated debates. Some fans have expressed sympathy for Lanez, while others remain critical due to his conviction in the Megan Thee Stallion case.
“Tory Lanez stabbed in jail is wild. No matter how you feel about the guy, this prison stuff ain’t no joke,” one user wrote.
“Getting jumped inside after posting gym selfies and album teasers? This industry is dark,” another added.
These reactions underscore the high-stakes environment of celebrity incarceration. This is where fame can both protect and endanger inmates.
Implications and What Comes Next
If confirmed, the incident could trigger a security review at the California Correctional Institution. Inmates who are high-profile or controversial often require special handling to mitigate risks. Depending on the outcome of Lanez’s medical evaluation, he may be moved to a different facility or placed under protective custody.
From a legal standpoint, a stabbing incident may also impact his appeals, either by delaying court proceedings or by being cited as evidence of unsafe incarceration conditions. That said, such arguments carry limited weight unless substantiated with official documentation.
Music Behind Bars: How Tory Stayed Relevant
Despite his imprisonment, Tory has remained musically active. His recent announcement of an upcoming album recorded with AI-generated vocals sparked both interest and controversy. Fans were divided, with some praising his resilience and others criticizing the ethics of post-conviction music production.
His social media posts, including gym photos and motivational captions, have contributed to maintaining a public presence. These digital appearances may have helped him remain culturally relevant, but they could also be seen as provocative in a prison setting—especially among inmates who may view such displays as flaunting status or privilege.
The role of visibility inside prison walls is complex. While staying in the public eye may benefit a celebrity’s career, it can also increase risks. Lanez’s profile and activity could have made him a target, although that remains speculative in the absence of confirmed motives.
Monitoring Ongoing Updates
Until the CDCR or another verified source confirms the report, it’s important to treat the current story with measured caution. That said, TMZ’s history of accuracy with early celebrity reporting gives their coverage a degree of credibility that many fans and media outlets are choosing to trust.
Updates from the CDCR or other news outlets like The Bakersfield Californian and NBC News may soon follow, providing clearer details on Lanez’s condition and the prison’s response.