Florida Representative Intensifies Call for Pardon, Citing Flawed Evidence and Prosecutorial Bias in Rapper’s Case

Republican Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) has escalated her campaign to free rapper Tory Lanez, claiming on May 20, 2025, that “compelling evidence” proving his innocence in the 2020 shooting of Megan Thee Stallion will be released within the next 36 hours. In a series of posts on X, Luna asserted, “We have compelling evidence proving Tory Lanez’s innocence, and it will be released within the next 36 hours. Those who rushed to call for his incarceration, and worse yet pushed false evidence, should prepare to be held accountable.” The bold statement follows her earlier call on May 19 for California Governor Gavin Newsom to pardon Lanez, whose real name is Daystar Peterson, citing a conviction based on “flawed evidence, political pressure, and prosecutorial bias.”

Luna’s claims align with recent developments from Lanez’s legal team, supported by the nonprofit Unite the People, which presented an affidavit from Bradley James, a former bodyguard for Kelsey Harris, Megan Thee Stallion’s ex-friend. At a May 14 press conference, attorney Walter Roberts stated that James overheard Harris admit to firing the gun, not Lanez, during the July 2020 incident in Hollywood Hills. This affidavit, combined with Luna’s mention of a potential video and forensic inconsistencies—such as a 0.01% chance of Lanez’s DNA on the firearm, no DNA on the magazine, and untested gunshot residue on others—has fueled speculation about the case’s integrity. Luna also highlighted constitutional concerns, including First Amendment violations from using Lanez’s lyrics as evidence and Sixth Amendment issues regarding witness confrontation.

The controversy intensified after Lanez was stabbed 14 times on May 12 at the California Correctional Institution in Tehachapi, suffering collapsed lungs but reportedly remaining in “good spirits.” Luna, who spoke with Lanez post-attack, emphasized his resilience, stating, “Despite being stabbed multiple times, his spirit remains unbroken—and he’s deeply grateful for the opportunity to prove his innocence.” The incident has galvanized support from figures like Drake, who shared a petition titled “Pardon Tory Lanez” on Instagram, and Amber Rose, alongside a Change.org petition with over 260,000 signatures.

Megan Thee Stallion and her attorney, Alex Spiro, have vehemently rejected these claims. On May 19, Megan posted on TikTok, “FACTS ARE FACTS, he did it, it was PROVEN IN COURT…TORY YOU SHOT ME!!” Spiro echoed this, stating, “Tory Lanez was tried and convicted by a jury of his peers…This is not a political matter—this is a case of a violent assault.” Critics argue Luna’s involvement politicizes a resolved case, with one X user stating, “Stick to Florida and stay out of California business.” Others, however, praise her for challenging alleged injustices, with a supporter noting, “Thank you for using your voice to bring an innocent man home.”

Luna’s push coincides with a California Court of Appeals consolidating Lanez’s direct appeal and habeas petitions, signaling upcoming oral arguments. She argues the 10-year sentence, driven by a firearm enhancement law under scrutiny for racial bias (with Black defendants facing a 92% higher application rate), demands review. As the 36-hour deadline looms, the hip-hop community and public await the promised evidence, which could reshape the narrative of this polarizing case. Governor Newsom has yet to respond publicly, leaving the rapper’s fate—and the impact of Luna’s claims—uncertain.