Tory Lanez Fined $20,000 for Refusing to Cooperate in Deposition
Tory Lanez, legally Daystar Peterson, has been fined $20,000 for obstructing the deposition process in Megan Thee Stallion’s defamation and cyberstalking lawsuit against Milagro Cooper, also known as YouTube personality milagro Gramz. U.S. magistrate Judge Lisette M. Reid found Peterson in contempt of court after he repeatedly refused to answer questions during a jailhouse deposition on friday. His attorney, Crystal Morgan, was also sanctioned.
The ruling came as jury selection began in the case against Cooper, where Megan Thee Stallion alleges Cooper spread ”vicious and hateful rumors” while acting as a “paid surrogate” for Peterson.
According to Judge Reid, Peterson was openly defiant throughout the deposition, initially questioning the consequences of refusing to answer. After being warned of potential fines, Peterson reportedly stated he was willing to pay, asserting, “I’m a millionaire. I don’t care.” The judge also noted an instance where Peterson “stormed out of the room” and accused Megan’s attorney of dishonesty, demanding he “calm down.”
Peterson refused to address basic questions regarding his relationship with Cooper, specifically declining to explain how they met or whether they had communicated via direct messages, texts, or Instagram. Judge Reid has recommended informing the jury that Peterson was properly questioned and deliberately chose not to respond.
This is not the first instance of Peterson being penalized for uncooperative deposition behavior. In April, he was ordered to cover Megan Thee Stallion’s legal fees after being described as combative and evasive during a previous deposition - his first under oath as being accused of shooting Megan Thee Stallion with a semi-automatic firearm in Los Angeles.Peterson is currently serving a ten-year sentence for that assault.
