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Rapper Tory Lanez, legally known as Daystar Peterson, has been found in contempt of court and fined $20,000 after refusing to answer key questions during a deposition connected to Megan Thee Stallion’s ongoing defamation lawsuit. The deposition, conducted inside the California prison where Lanez is serving a 10-year sentence for the 2020 shooting of Megan, was his third attempt at providing testimony and once again ended in confrontation.
The defamation case was filed by Megan Thee Stallion against YouTube commentator Milagro “Gramz” Cooper, whom she accuses of spreading false information, coordinating online harassment and working with Lanez to damage her reputation. As part of the discovery process, Lanez was required to answer questions about his communication with Cooper and any involvement in online narratives surrounding Megan.
According to court documents, Lanez entered the deposition questioning what consequences he would face if he declined to participate. After being informed that fines or additional jail time were possible, he reportedly responded that he did not care and could afford any monetary penalties. His refusal escalated when he declined to answer three central questions regarding how he met Cooper, whether he had communicated with her, and whether they exchanged messages through text or social media.
Lanez ultimately “stormed out” of the deposition, directing profanity at Megan’s attorney and accusing her of lying. The judge noted that he had obstructed the process and behaved in a manner inconsistent with the legal obligations of a deponent. His attorney, Crystal Morgan, was also sanctioned and fined $5,000 for improper coaching during the session, repeated objections to relevant questions, and failing to direct Lanez to comply with the court’s instructions.
In addition to the financial penalties, the judge recommended that the jury in the defamation case be explicitly informed that Lanez refused to answer the three major questions posed to him. This could potentially influence how jurors view his credibility and possible involvement in any coordinated actions with Cooper.
Lanez’s contempt finding adds yet another legal setback to a series of ongoing issues stemming from the highly publicized dispute between him and Megan Thee Stallion. As the defamation lawsuit moves forward, his refusal to participate fully in the deposition process could deepen legal tensions surrounding the case.
