Canadian rapper Tory Lanez is recovering in hospital after being the victim of a brutal stabbing at a California prison, where he is currently serving a 10-year sentence. The incident, which occurred on Monday morning, has sparked concerns about inmate safety and reignited public interest in the controversial artist’s legal history.
Violent Attack Inside California Correctional Institution
The attack took place inside the California Correctional Institution in Tehachapi, located roughly 75 miles north of Los Angeles. According to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Lanez, whose real name is Daystar Peterson, was assaulted by another inmate in a housing unit at approximately 7:20 a.m. local time.
Sources confirm that the 32-year-old suffered 14 stab wounds to various parts of his body, including his back, torso, head, and face. A post on Lanez’s official Instagram account stated that both of his lungs had collapsed due to the assault, and he was placed on a breathing apparatus. He is now reportedly able to breathe unaided.
“Despite being in pain, he is talking normally, in good spirits, and deeply thankful to God that he is pulling through,” read the Instagram update.
Emergency Response and Ongoing Investigation
Prison officials and medical staff administered first aid immediately after the incident and arranged for Lanez to be transported to an outside medical facility for emergency care. The motive behind the attack has not yet been disclosed, and authorities are conducting a full investigation into the matter.
Pedro Calderón Michel, spokesperson for the state’s corrections department, confirmed the incident to the press but declined to share any information regarding the identity or intent of the assailant. The name of the suspect has not been released, and it is unclear whether any charges have yet been filed.
Lanez’s Incarceration and Controversial Past
Tory Lanez was sentenced in 2023 to a decade in prison after being convicted on three felony charges, including assault with a semi-automatic firearm. The charges stemmed from a 2020 incident in which he shot fellow rapper Megan Thee Stallion in the foot.
The shooting occurred following a heated argument inside a vehicle after a pool party at the home of reality star Kylie Jenner. During the trial, Megan—whose real name is Megan Pete—testified that Lanez fired shots at the ground and told her to “dance,” resulting in injuries that required surgery to remove bullet fragments.
Lanez has consistently denied wrongdoing and refused to apologize, maintaining his innocence throughout the court proceedings. The case drew widespread media attention and divided the music community. Artists like 50 Cent and Iggy Azalea were among those who publicly commented on the trial, with some calling for leniency during sentencing.
Career Highlights and Future Projects
Before his conviction, Lanez enjoyed a successful music career with seven US top 10 albums to his name. Despite his incarceration, he has remained active creatively, teasing the release of a new album titled Peterson from behind bars.
Fans continue to express support for the rapper on social media, and the recent attack has renewed public interest in his music and legal status. Many are now calling for better protection for high-profile inmates, especially those facing prolonged sentences.
Broader Implications and Public Response
The stabbing has raised concerns about the level of violence within correctional facilities, especially among inmates with high visibility or controversial backgrounds. Advocates for prison reform argue that incidents like this highlight the urgent need to improve safety standards and mental health services within such institutions.
While Tory Lanez appears to be on the path to recovery, the psychological and physical toll of the attack is yet to be fully understood. Legal experts say that the assault may have implications for his prison placement and could lead to future changes in how vulnerable inmates are housed.
As the investigation unfolds, both supporters and critics of Lanez await further developments. Meanwhile, the music industry watches closely to see whether the rapper will use this experience as creative material or if the incident will mark a turning point in his already dramatic life story.
