In a bold public move that reignites both conversation and controversy, Drake is once again standing behind fellow Toronto artist Tory Lanez—this time in the wake of a life-threatening prison attack. On Friday, May 16, Drake took to his Instagram Story to share a heartfelt message and a Change.org petition, calling for California Governor Gavin Newsom to pardon Lanez, who is currently serving a 10-year sentence for the 2020 shooting of Megan Thee Stallion.
Drake’s post read simply: “@torylanez come home soon.” But its implications are far from simple. The message was accompanied by a link to the growing petition for Lanez’s release, adding fuel to the already volatile public discourse surrounding his conviction and incarceration.
The post comes days after reports from TMZ confirmed that Lanez (real name Daystar Peterson) was stabbed 14 times in the yard of California Correctional Institution. According to a follow-up statement on Lanez’s own Instagram account, he sustained seven stab 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 also detailed that both of his lungs had collapsed, and he was placed on a breathing apparatus before ultimately stabilizing.
“Despite being in pain, he is talking normally, in good spirits and deeply thankful to God that he is pulling through,” the statement read. “He also wants to thank everyone for the continued prayers and support.”
A History of Support—and a Complicated Friendship
Drake’s recent show of support isn’t an isolated moment. In December 2024, during his “Drizzmas Giveaway” livestream with influencer Adin Ross, Drake toasted to Lanez, saying, “3 up T, man. I know they don’t want to hear me say that. 3 up T.” The shoutout raised eyebrows across social media, especially considering the high-profile nature of Lanez’s felony conviction involving Megan Thee Stallion.
The two Toronto artists have shared a complicated relationship. Once embroiled in a bitter feud, they reconciled publicly in 2017 with an Instagram post that marked a turning point. Drake even invited Lanez to perform at OVO Fest that same year, bringing him out for a joint performance of “Controlla,” a standout track from Views.
That reunion seemed to symbolize not just the end of a personal rift, but a larger sense of unity among Canadian artists who often feel overshadowed in the wider hip-hop world. Drake’s support in moments like these continues to demonstrate how personal loyalty can sometimes override public backlash, even amid complex and polarizing legal situations.
Public Reaction & Petition Momentum
The Change.org petition that Drake shared is gaining traction quickly, rallying both fans and critics into the comment sections. While some are praising Drake’s loyalty and concern for Lanez’s safety in a system that has failed to protect him, others argue that supporting a convicted felon—particularly one found guilty in an assault involving a woman—is tone-deaf at best, and harmful at worst.
Still, Drake isn’t new to navigating cultural controversy. Whether it’s beef with Kanye West, lyrical jabs at Kendrick Lamar, or now public alignment with Lanez, he has often walked the tightrope between public relations disaster and unwavering authenticity.
The Bigger Picture
Lanez’s stabbing raises broader questions about inmate safety and celebrity incarceration. Critics argue that the California Correctional Institution failed to protect a high-profile inmate from repeated, near-fatal violence—casting light on larger systemic flaws. And in that context, Drake’s advocacy could be read not just as personal loyalty, but as a call for reform.
Regardless of one’s stance on Lanez’s legal history, his survival following such a brutal attack is nothing short of miraculous. And Drake’s message is already echoing across the internet—not just as a post, but as a flashpoint in the ongoing dialogue about justice, forgiveness, celebrity, and the power of public opinion.
Links & Streaming
Whether you view Drake’s words as misguided loyalty or a compassionate plea, one thing is clear: hip-hop’s most powerful voices are still shaping the culture—inside and outside the courtroom.
