Megan Thee Stallion testified in a Los Angeles court on Tuesday that she has been subjected to deepfake pornography and ongoing harassment stemming from her 2020 shooting involving Tory Lanez. The Grammy-winning rapper detailed the emotional toll of the non-consensual imagery and its connection to individuals associated with Lanez, including a woman identified as Kelsey Cooper.
The testimony came during a hearing related to a restraining order Megan initially sought against Lanez in December 2023, following his conviction on three felony counts for shooting her in the feet. While the five-year restraining order was granted in January, Tuesday’s hearing focused on the continued distress caused by the proliferation of deepfake videos and alleged harassment. The case highlights the growing legal and emotional challenges artists face with the rise of AI-generated explicit content and the lasting impact of violent crime.
Megan testified under oath that she “hasn’t been at peace since I been shot, and I’m just trying to be unharassed, not only by the person who shot me, but by the people he’s been paying to continue to harass me.” She referenced Cooper, without directly naming her, stating she believes Lanez paid individuals to continue harassing her. Megan’s deposition, videotaped in April, was presented as evidence.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Richard Bloom granted Megan a five-year restraining order against Lanez in January, citing “several uncontroverted facts,” including Lanez shooting Megan, resulting in injuries. The order mandates Lanez stay at least 100 yards away from Megan and refrain from any harassment, intimidation, or threats until january 9, 2030.
Lanez appealed his conviction and sentence but recently lost that appeal in California’s Second Appellate District.
