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Rapper Tory Lanez has filed a sweeping federal lawsuit against the California prison system, alleging that officials failed to protect him from a violent, near-fatal assault while in custody. The 33-year-old artist, born Daystar Peterson, is seeking $100 million in damages from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, along with staff at the Tehachapi facility where the incident occurred.
According to the complaint, Lanez was stabbed 16 times across his back, torso, head, and face in what is described as an “unprovoked life-threatening attack” carried out by fellow inmate Santino Casio using a homemade weapon. The injuries were severe, including a collapsed lung, and required emergency airlift to a hospital. The lawsuit argues that prison authorities either knew—or should have known—of the risks posed by housing Casio alongside a high-profile inmate, particularly given Casio’s violent criminal history, which includes convictions for murder, attempted murder, and prior assaults involving deadly weapons.
Lanez is currently serving a 10-year sentence following his conviction in the widely publicized 2022 case involving Megan Thee Stallion. During that trial, Megan—legal name Megan Pete—testified that Lanez shot her in the feet after a party at Kylie Jenner’s Hollywood Hills residence in July 2020, an incident that led to significant injuries requiring surgery. Lanez was ultimately convicted on multiple felony counts, including assault with a semiautomatic firearm, and his appeal was denied in November.
The prison attack, which officials confirm took place on May 12, 2025, raises serious questions about institutional oversight. The lawsuit claims correctional officers responded too slowly and failed to deploy available deterrents such as flash grenades or smoke devices to stop the assault. It further alleges that Lanez’s celebrity status made him an obvious target, yet no additional safeguards were implemented.
In addition to the physical harm, Lanez accuses prison officials of unlawfully confiscating personal materials, including songbooks containing unreleased lyrics of significant commercial value, and refusing to return them.
Casio, who is serving a life sentence, has not been publicly charged in connection with the attack, and his former legal representation has not commented. Following the incident, Lanez was transferred to the California Men's Colony in San Luis Obispo County.
Responding to inquiries, a spokesperson for the corrections department declined to comment, citing ongoing litigation. The lawsuit, first reported by TMZ, now places renewed scrutiny on inmate safety protocols and the responsibilities of prison authorities when managing high-profile individuals within the system.
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