Tory Lanez stabber Santino Casio claimed that he feared that Tory put a bounty on him in prison

Tory Lanez stabber claims self-defense in prison incident

Tory Lanez is no stranger to controversy. But his recent stabbing in prison has thrown him back into the spotlight in a new, tragic way. According to prison officials, Lanez was attacked by a fellow inmate, Santino Casio, who stabbed him 14 times inside California Correctional Institution at Tehachapi. Lanez, who is serving a 10-year sentence for the shooting of rapper Megan Thee Stallion, was hospitalized and later returned to custody.

What makes this story even more complex is that the man who stabbed him claims it was an act of self-defense.

What Happened: Inside the Prison Attack

On a quiet morning earlier this month, Lanez was reportedly walking through a common area in his housing unit when Casio approached him. Moments later, Lanez was attacked. According to the prison’s report, he suffered seven stab wounds to the back, four to the torso, and three to the head.

Correctional officers responded quickly. Lanez was taken by ambulance and then airlifted to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. He survived and was later returned to the facility in stable condition.

This violent event has sparked national attention, not just because of Lanez’s celebrity status, but due to the shocking nature of the attack—and the explanation behind it.

Santino Casio’s Claims: Self-Defense or Setup?

Santino Casio, a convicted murderer serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole, admitted to the attack during a phone interview with TMZ. However, he framed his actions as a defensive maneuver.

According to Casio, rumors had circulated through the prison that Lanez had placed a bounty on his head. These whispers were reportedly taken seriously. When Casio encountered Lanez, he claimed to see a lump in Lanez’s pocket and assumed it was a weapon.

Believing his life was in immediate danger, Casio said he acted first.

“I wasn’t trying to kill him,” Casio said in the interview. “I thought he was coming for me.”

Interestingly, Casio also shared that he and Lanez were previously on good terms. They lived in neighboring cells and had what Casio described as a “decent relationship.” That made the confrontation even more unexpected in his eyes.

Lanez’s Legal Team Responds to the Allegations

Tory Lanez’s legal team was quick to respond, labeling Casio’s claims “absurd” and “baseless.” They pointed out that Casio is serving a life sentence and has nothing to lose by stirring up controversy or fabricating stories.

In a statement provided to TMZ, Lanez’s lawyers emphasized the seriousness of the attack and the larger issue at play.

“The recent attempt on his life was savage and ferocious, underscoring the clear and present danger he faces while incarcerated. Any claim to the contrary, particularly from an individual serving a life sentence for heinous crimes, is not only baseless but an absurd fabrication.”

They also reiterated their long-standing argument: that Lanez’s imprisonment is a miscarriage of justice, and that he must be released for his own safety.

Celebrity Justice in a Prison System Built for None

The stabbing has reignited discussions about the dangers celebrities face when serving time. Unlike in the outside world, fame offers little protection inside prison. In fact, it can often make a person more of a target.

Lanez, once one of hip-hop’s fastest-rising stars, had tried to maintain a low profile during his incarceration. However, his high-profile case and media attention made that nearly impossible. Fame becomes a liability, not a shield, when you’re behind bars.

Experts on prison culture confirm that perceived power dynamics, jealousy, and reputation can trigger violence—especially when misinformation or fear come into play.

Drake’s Involvement and Public Reaction

Following the attack, rapper Drake threw his support behind a growing movement to secure Lanez’s release. He shared a Change.org petition titled “Pardon Tory Lanez” on his Instagram story, urging Governor Gavin Newsom to reconsider the rapper’s sentence.

The petition, which alleges prosecutorial misconduct and political bias in Lanez’s trial, has surged past 260,000 signatures. It calls for clemency and describes the prison environment as unsuitable and dangerous for Lanez.

Meanwhile, Megan Thee Stallion, the victim in Lanez’s original trial, broke her silence with a strong rebuttal.

“I’m sick of the harassment,” she wrote. “He shot me. The court found him guilty. The evidence was clear. I won’t let people rewrite the facts.”

Her statement has reignited public debate, especially online, where supporters and critics of Lanez continue to clash.

Who Is Santino Casio?

Santino Casio isn’t new to violence. He was convicted of murder and has a reputation within the California prison system as volatile and aggressive. His criminal history and current life sentence raise questions about the credibility of his claims.

However, in prison, even the most violent offenders live by a certain code. Casio insists he acted out of fear, not malice, and has shared that he, too, was injured during the scuffle—suffering a stab wound to his leg, which he claims proves Lanez was armed.

Prison officials have not confirmed if a weapon was recovered from Lanez.

The Bigger Picture: Prison Safety for High-Profile Inmates

This incident reveals larger issues with the prison system—especially in terms of safety for celebrity inmates. When a person like Lanez enters a general population unit, they may be exposed to individuals with violent pasts and nothing to lose.

Other celebrities who’ve served time—such as Casanova, Tekashi 6ix9ine, and even Martha Stewart—have spoken about the dangers of being “famous in prison.” Lanez is now the latest to suffer a brutal attack, one that could have ended much differently.

What’s Next for Tory Lanez?

Lanez’s legal team continues to advocate for his release, citing new concerns over his physical safety. It’s unclear if they will file for a sentence commutation, early release, or request a prison transfer. Fans and celebrities are keeping a close eye on Governor Newsom’s response to the petition.

Meanwhile, Lanez remains in prison—recovering, reassessing, and reportedly more determined to fight for his freedom than ever before.

The stabbing of Tory Lanez by fellow inmate Santino Casio is more than a headline—it’s a reflection of a broken system where even celebrity cannot guarantee protection. Whether or not Casio’s claims of self-defense hold up, the event has exposed the dangers of incarceration and sparked a wave of renewed advocacy for Lanez.

Only time will tell how this story ends. But one thing is clear: the conversation around prison safety, justice, and media narratives is far from over.