During Tory Lanez’s first day of sentencing on Monday (August 7), following a guilty verdict in December for shooting Megan Thee Stallion, Lanez’s legal team brought forward more than 70 written statements from his supporters that ask the court to show mercy in his sentence. Among these letters was one from Australian rapper Iggy Azalea, famed for hits like “Fancy” (2014) and “Problem” with Ariana Grande (2014).
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According to Legal Affairs and Trials reporter Meghann Cuniff, who was present during the hearing, Azalea wrote that she wanted Lanez to be given a sentence “that is transformational” and “not life destroying.” However, just hours after this report surfaced, Azalea took to Twitter to clarify that she is not picking sides in this case and understands that she is not fully privy to all the details necessary to make a fair judgment.
“For the record: 1. I have not been in touch with (Lanez) for months, I have no reason to be, but I do wish him well,” she replied in a Twitter thread. “2. I don’t ‘support”’ anyone. the whole thing is full of oddities. My letter never mentioned anything in regard to what happened that night.”
Back in October 2022, two months before Lanez was found guilty of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, having an unregistered loaded gun in a vehicle, and discharge with gross negligence, Azalea had sparked dating rumors with Lanez while he was helping her craft her upcoming album. Now, while she asserts she is not fully supportive of Lanez, she does note that she doesn’t want to see him behind bars for years.
“3. I was told this was for a judge only, yet it’s being discussed in public? I never intended to publicly comment,” she added. “4. (I am) not in support of throwing away ANY (one’s) life if we can give reasonable punishments that are rehabilitative instead. I support prison reform. Period. 5. I was asked to write about my genuine experience and the type of punishment I think he deserves: I did. It’s not really that interesting but I understand why it’s being sensationalized…”
After publishing her tweet, another Twitter user defended Azalea, assuring her that she did not have to address the situation regarding her letter to the court. In response, Azalea doubled down in defense of her stance.
“I really hate that this is (today’s) discourse online because it’s not really an explosive revelation,” she wrote. “Yes: he should be held accountable. No: the charges don’t warrant 5plus (year) in prison. Most agree with that sentiment because it’s a reasonable take. This is not news worthy.”
Lanez’s sentencing continues today in Los Angeles at 1:30 pm ET.
Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images
