Drake Publicly Backs Petition for Tory Lanez Pardon
Musician Drake has once again voiced his desire for the release of fellow artist Tory Lanez from incarceration. In a recent move, Drake utilized his Instagram Stories to share a link to an online petition. This petition specifically requests that the Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, grant a pardon to Lanez. The Canadian rapper is currently serving a ten-year sentence, having been convicted less than two years ago for the shooting of Megan Thee Stallion.
Accompanying the shared petition link, Drake also posted a direct message to Lanez, stating, “@torylanez come home soon.” This public display underscores Drake’s continued and unwavering support for Lanez, even after the legal proceedings that resulted in the guilty verdict for the assault on the Houston-based artist.
Looking back, Drake’s support for Lanez isn’t a new development. The previous year saw Drake post an image of Lanez with a caption that conveyed solidarity.
It’s important to recall that Drake’s 2022 track “Circo Loco” contained lyrics that many interpreted as referencing the shooting incident involving Megan Thee Stallion. These lines sparked a swift and critical response from Megan, who took to social media to condemn the trivialization of such violence and to call out the lack of support she felt from some within the rap community. She specifically criticized those who appeared to side with Lanez following his conviction.
More recently, Megan Thee Stallion’s song “Hiss” included lyrics that some listeners perceived as being directed towards Drake, possibly in response to his earlier lyrical content and public stance on the Lanez situation.
The backdrop to Drake’s renewed call for Lanez’s release includes recent reports of a violent incident within the correctional facility where Lanez is being held. He was reportedly stabbed multiple times by another inmate and suffered serious injuries, including collapsed lungs, though he is expected to make a recovery.
Drake’s decision to actively promote a pardon petition for Tory Lanez, given the severity of the crime for which he was convicted and the strong feelings it continues to evoke, particularly from Megan Thee Stallion, is likely to fuel further discussion and debate surrounding the case and the broader issues it touches upon.