Drake has once again thrown his support behind fellow Canadian rapper Tory Lanez, urging for his release. This after Lanez survived a brutal stabbing in prison.
The incident, which left Lanez hospitalised with life-threatening injuries, has reignited debate around his high-profile case. It also raised questiosn about the conditions faced by incarcerated celebrities.
DRAKE SUPPORTS TORY
On Friday, 16 May, Drake took to Instagram to post a heartfelt message: “@torylanez come home soon.” But he didn’t stop there.
Drake then shared a Change.org petition, calling on California Governor Gavin Newsom to pardon Lanez.
The petition, which has gained significant traction, argues for what supporters call a “deep injustice” in Lanez’s 10-year sentence.
The sentence was handed down after his conviction for the 2020 shooting of Megan Thee Stallion,according to Billboard.
TORY ATTACKED
The stabbing took place at the California Correctional Institution. Lanez, whose real name is Daystar Peterson, was attacked by another inmate on the morning of 12 May.
Reports say he suffered 14 stab wounds: seven to his back, four to his torso, two to the back of his head, and one to his face.
Both lungs collapsed, and he was rushed to a hospital in Bakersfield for emergency treatment.
For a time, he was on a breathing machine. Miraculously, Lanez is now breathing on his own and speaking normally.
TORY’S TEAM RELEASES A STATEMENT
A statement from Lanez’s team read, “Despite experiencing pain, he is speaking normally, maintaining a positive attitude, and is profoundly grateful to God for his recovery.
He also wishes to extend his thanks to everyone for their ongoing prayers and support”. His lawyer, Jose Baez, added, “Tory is upbeat.
He’s in good spirits. He is recovering. He is a strong young man. He’s expected to make a recovery”.
DRAKE AND TORY’S FRIENDSHIP
Drake’s show of supportisn’t new. In December, during his ‘Drizzmas Giveaway’ stream, Drake raised a glass and declared, “3 up T, man. 3 up T.
I know they don’t want to hear me say that. 3 up T.” The two artists, both from Toronto, have had a rocky past but squashed their beef in 2017.
That year, Lanez joined Drake on stage at OVO Fest, performing “Controlla” together – a moment that cemented their renewed friendship.
CALLS FOR CLEMENCY
The conversation around Lanez’s case is far from over. As the investigation into the stabbing continues, and with Drake’s public plea amplifying calls for clemency.
As Drake put it, “@torylanez come home soon.” Whether that wish becomes reality is now in the hands of the law – and perhaps, the court of public opinion.
SHOULD CELEBRITIES USE THEIR PLATFORMS TO INFLUENCE LEGAL DECISIONS?
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