Tory Lanez, sentenced to 10 years for shooting Megan Thee Stallion in 2022, has granted his first media interview since the verdict, asserting his innocence and describing the public perception of him as a “monster” as a misconception.

In the NBC News interview from prison, Lanez emphasized that he has never been violent towards women and expressed regret for not testifying during his trial, claiming that doing so could have altered the verdict.

Despite Lanez’s conviction being affirmed by an appeals court in November, his legal team is preparing a new appeal to the California Supreme Court, arguing that significant evidence, including medical records related to the shooting, was not disclosed during the trial.

Lanez attributed his wrongful conviction to a lack of representation, stating that “the amount of new evidence that has emerged… has been overwhelming,” and he hopes for a reevaluation of his case.

Alongside his appeal efforts, Lanez’s attorneys have sought clemency from California Governor Gavin Newsom, detailing the challenges he faces while incarcerated, including a traumatic experience where he was stabbed multiple times.

In response to Lanez’s assertions, Megan Thee Stallion’s lawyer reiterated the sufficiency of the evidence that led to Lanez’s conviction, dismissing his claims as part of a misleading narrative being pushed by Lanez and his supporters.

Lanez described the mental and emotional toll of prison life, indicating that it has affected him significantly, yet he remains focused on proving his innocence and clearing his name.

The contrasting perspectives highlight ongoing tensions between Lanez and Megan Thee Stallion’s camp regarding the case’s legitimacy and the integrity of the judicial process.