Tory Lanez has been ordered to sit for another deposition in Megan Thee Stallion’s defamation lawsuit against blogger Milagro Gramz after previously botching two attempts.
According to an Oct. 30 court order from Judge Lisette M. Reid, Lanez’s attorney’s claim that testifying could jeopardize his ongoing appeal for his shooting conviction was rejected. The judge found it “unclear” how his deposition could have any effect on the appeal.
“The focus of Mr. Peterson’s deposition is his relationship with defendant Cooper, not with plaintiff,” the judge wrote. “Thus, the court does not see how testimony regarding Mr. Peterson’s communications and relationship with the defendant would serve to prejudice his criminal appeal.”
Judge Reid ruled that Lanez must be deposed again but may invoke his Fifth Amendment rights “on a question-by-question basis,” with the judge personally supervising the session.
Megan’s legal team has been trying for months to secure a proper deposition from the incarcerated artist. Back in April, her attorneys accused Lanez of “feigning ignorance regarding the definition of basic words” and even harassing a member of Megan’s team over her appearance. They also alleged he pretended the video equipment wasn’t working, though prison staff confirmed it was fully functional.
Following that behavior, Lanez was held in contempt and ordered to attend a second deposition under judicial supervision. However, he showed up with a new lawyer who refused to let him answer questions, citing the ongoing appeal.
Now, a third deposition has been scheduled “at a date agreed upon by all parties,” according to Judge Reid’s order. She also indicated Lanez might have to reimburse Megan’s legal team for the time and expenses caused by his repeated delays.
Megan and Gramz are set to face off in court starting Nov. 17. The rapper announced the lawsuit last October, saying she was ready to take a stand against online harassment and misinformation.
“It’s time to hold bloggers accountable for years of harassment, cyberbullying, and the publication of misinformation about my personal and professional life,” Megan stated. “I’ve endured countless attacks on my character based on false narratives from social media bloggers misrepresenting themselves as journalists. It’s unacceptable behavior and these individuals need to understand there will be repercussions for recklessly posting lies and defamatory falsehoods.”
Just last month, Lanez filed a motion seeking a protective order to block any further questioning — even though Megan’s lawsuit claims Gramz acted on his behalf in her “campaign of harassment.”
