The legal battle stemming from Megan Thee Stallion’s defamation lawsuit has pulled several names into court, but Tory Lanez is now fighting to reduce his role in the process.
The rapper, who is serving time after being convicted of shooting Megan, is attempting to shield himself from further depositions that he says could harm his ongoing appeal.
Earlier this week, Lanez’s lawyers submitted a motion requesting a protective order. The filing urged the judge to recognize that he is not a party in the lawsuit and should not be forced to repeatedly participate. His legal team described the risks of additional questioning, noting that it could interfere with his constitutional rights and put his criminal appeal in jeopardy.
“Daystar Peterson (‘Mr. Peterson’), by counsel, respectfully moves for a Protective Order under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26(c),” the document explains. “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. Relief is warranted to ensure compliance with the Federal Rules, to protect non-parties, and to safeguard Mr. Peterson’s rights.”
The protective order also calls for strict limits if the court does not exempt him entirely.
“For the foregoing reasons, Mr. Peterson respectfully requests that the Court grant his Motion for Protective Order, barring improper non-party deposition or, alternatively, limiting discovery consistent with the Federal Rules, Ninth Circuit precedent, and constitutional protections,” the motion continues.
This request arrives after previous clashes during depositions. In August, a judge had already directed Lanez to appear for another round of testimony after his first attempt collapsed. Reports claimed he disrespected Megan’s attorneys and failed to cooperate, which led to the court stepping in and ordering his return.
Meanwhile, Megan’s lawsuit against blogger Milagro Gramz remains active in California civil court. She accuses Gramz of circulating false claims related to the Lanez shooting case, and her legal team has been aggressive in its discovery efforts.
Alongside Lanez, the court has also targeted DJ Akademiks, demanding that he explain the source of a leaked DNA report. Adin Ross tried to avoid a similar deposition, but his efforts have not been successful.
Lanez’s attorneys pointed to DJ Akademiks and Caesar McDowell, arguing that they were not subjected to the same treatment as their client during questioning. The comparison, they say, highlights unfairness in how the case is being handled.
For now, the focus is on whether the court will approve Lanez’s protective order. If granted, it could limit his involvement and prevent his appeal from being overshadowed by the civil case.
If denied, Lanez may once again be required to sit for questioning while Megan Thee Stallion continues pressing her claims against Milagro Gramz.
