Tory Lanez has been ordered to participate in a third deposition as part of Megan Thee Stallion’s ongoing defamation lawsuit. This is despite his legal team’s efforts to avoid the process. In late September, Lanez filed a protective order seeking exemption. However, a Miami-Dade Circuit Judge denied the request. Thus, requiring the Canadian rapper to move forward with the proceedings.
According to reports, Judge Lisette Reid ruled Lanez’s appeal was filed too late, leaving no room for exemption. The motion had argued that, as an incarcerated individual, Lanez would face undue hardship and prejudice. This was in connection with his ongoing criminal appeal if compelled to testify further. The filing stated, “Mr. Peterson, an incarcerated non-party in Pete v. Cooper, No. 1:24-cv-24228 (S.D. Fla.), faces undue burden, prejudice to his ongoing criminal appeal, and constitutional risks if compelled to provide further deposition testimony.”
Judge Reid clarified that the deposition centers on Lanez’s relationship with Milagro Cooper, also known as Milagro Gramz. It does not focus on his interactions with Megan Thee Stallion. She indicated that any testimony regarding Cooper is unlikely to affect Lanez’s criminal appeal. Therefore, separating the civil and criminal dimensions of the case.
Lanez Prepares for Key Deposition in Defamation Case
Cooper is the subject of a defamation lawsuit filed by Stallion. The lawsuit alleges she accepted payments from Lanez and his family. This was to advance a smear campaign against the Houston rapper. The litigation has been active for over a year, drawing significant attention from both fans and the media.
As the deposition nears, Lanez will need to navigate the process carefully under court supervision. Judge Reid emphasized, “The Fifth Amendment doesn’t allow a witness to skip a deposition entirely. He can only refuse to answer specific questions that might incriminate him, with the court resolving those issues as they arise.” This guidance follows reports from an April deposition. Lanez reportedly displayed disrespect toward Stallion’s legal team, a matter that could result in fines or other court sanctions. These issues will be addressed after the upcoming session.
