Overview

• On Aug. 18, Lanez’s attorneys argued before California’s Second District Court of Appeal to overturn his 2022 conviction as he serves a 10-year sentence.
• Defense lawyer Laura L. Cepero said prosecutors mischaracterized inconclusive DNA results, asserting it was statistically more likely someone other than Lanez touched the gun.
• The defense also alleged trial unfairness, citing limits on confronting key witness Kelsey Harris and jurors being primed for testimony by bodyguard Justin Edison that never occurred.
• Deputy Attorney General Michael C. Keller argued the evidence was compelling and pointed to three tacit admissions by Lanez, including a text apology to Megan Thee Stallion.
• The hearing followed an Aug. 12 ruling that denied two habeas petitions, rejected new DNA testing, and deemed several purported new affidavits untimely or inadmissible, with a decision on the appeal expected in weeks or months.