Megan Thee Stallion on Tory Lanez shooting: “It never crossed my mind that people wouldn’t believe me”

Megan Thee Stallion has given an extensive interview on the Tory Lanez shooting, that she says will be her last public comment on the case, for the new issue of Elle. Lanez was found guilty of shooting Megan in the foot after a party in summer 2020 — the Toronto rapper was convicted on three felony counts and faces up to 20 years in prison (he has since requested a new trial). In the interview, Megan describes her struggles with the resulting trauma and depression, her journey to healing, and what she wants her fans and supporters to learn from the incident.

Once the case became public against her wishes, Megan says that she was shocked that a significant number of people did not think that her account of the incident was truthful or correct (Lanez pleaded not guilty to all charges and gathered significant support in the hip-hop tabloid sphere.) “It never crossed my mind that people wouldn’t believe me," Megan says. "For years, my attacker tried to leverage social media to take away my power. Imagine how it feels to be called a liar every day?"

She goes on to describe her reaction to the guilty verdict. "Still, I knew the truth and the indisputable facts would prevail. I had worked way too hard to reach this point in my career to let taunts deter me. When the guilty verdict came on Dec. 23, 2022, it was more than just vindication for me, it was a victory for every woman who has ever been shamed, dismissed, and blamed for a violent crime committed against them.”

The path to recovery hasn't been a straight one, Megan says ("I’m in a happier place, but I still have anxiety.") but she expresses a determination to move forward. "I’ve accepted this chapter of my life as part of my journey, but I will not allow it to define my journey. I’ve been dragged through the mud, but I’m so happy that I’m able to finally come out of it with a new perspective.”

“For anyone who has survived violence," Megan says, "please know your feelings are valid. You matter. You are not at fault. You are important. You are loved. You are not defined by your trauma. You can continue to write beautiful, new chapters to your life story. Just because you are in a bad situation doesn’t mean you are a bad person. Our value doesn’t come from the opinions of other people. As long as you stand your ground and live in your truth, nobody can take your power."

Read the full story on Elle's website.