Canadian rapper Tory Lanez, whose real name is Daystar Peterson, is fighting for his life in a Bakersfield hospital following a vicious attack at the California Correctional Institution (CCI) in Tehachapi.
The 32-year-old hip-hop artist, currently serving a 10-year sentence for the 2020 shooting of fellow rapper Megan Thee Stallion, was stabbed 14 times by another inmate in a housing unit on Monday morning, May 12, 2025, at approximately 7:20 a.m.
The incident, described as a shocking escalation of prison violence, has left Lanez in critical condition with severe injuries, including collapsed lungs, prompting an airlift to Kern Medical Hospital for emergency treatment.
According to a statement from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), the assault occurred in a housing unit at CCI, located 75 miles north of Los Angeles.
Prison staff responded swiftly, administering first aid and calling 911. Lanez was initially transported to a local medical facility before being airlifted to Kern Medical Hospital due to the severity of his injuries.
A post on Lanez’s verified Instagram account provided a harrowing account of the attack, stating he was stabbed “14 times—including seven wounds to his back, four to his torso, two to the back of his head, and one to the left side of his face.” The statement further revealed that both of Lanez’s lungs collapsed, requiring a breathing apparatus, though he is now reportedly breathing on his own and “talking normally.”
The CDCR has confirmed the attack was carried out by another inmate, but the assailant’s identity and the motive remain under investigation by CCI’s Investigative Services Unit and the Kern County District Attorney’s Office.
The Office of the Inspector General has also been notified. While some sources, including TMZ, have described Lanez’s injuries as “non-life-threatening,” posts on X and a statement from Lanez’s team to AkademiksTV suggest his condition was initially far more critical, with claims that early reports downplayed the severity to mitigate public concern.
The stabbing is the latest in a series of controversies surrounding Lanez’s time in prison. In 2024, authorities raided his cell, confiscating recording equipment, raising questions about how he accessed such materials.
Lanez has also faced accusations of orchestrating online harassment against Megan Thee Stallion, including through bloggers allegedly acting on his behalf. Just days before the attack, Lanez posted on social media, showcasing his muscular physique and teasing a new album titled Peterson, suggesting he remained active creatively despite his circumstances.
The attack has reignited discussions about the safety of high-profile inmates in the prison system.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
As Tory Lanez recovers, the focus will shift to both his health and the legal ramifications of the attack. The investigation may lead to charges against the assailant, and Lanez’s legal team could use the incident to argue for safer conditions or even a review of his incarceration status.
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