Tory Lanez, currently serving a prison sentence in connection with the shooting of Megan Thee Stallion, is reigniting legal drama—this time targeting his former attorney, Shawn Holley, with an ethics complaint. Tory Lanez’s allegations center on claims that Holley, who previously represented him, had ties to Roc Nation that may have influenced her approach to his defense. Lanez filed the ethics complaint on October 28, alleging that Holley prioritized Roc Nation’s interests over his, potentially compromising his case.
The crux of Tory Lanez’s complaint, reported by TMZ, rests on his belief that Holley had undisclosed ties to Roc Nation, the label associated with Megan Thee Stallion, and, by extension, Lanez’s accuser. The rapper, whose legal name is Daystar Peterson, claims that Holley’s connections made her an unsuitable advocate, as she allegedly was influenced by Roc Nation’s interests. Holley, however, has since responded to these claims, vehemently denying any business connections to Roc Nation.
Loren Lorosa, a former TMZ producer, was one of the first to relay Holley’s side of the story on social media. Holley addressed Lanez’s allegations directly, clarifying her relationship to the entertainment industry and its limited bearing on his case. She admitted that she is involved with the TV show Reasonable Doubt
Holley’s denial didn’t stop there. She also pointed out that Lanez had made similar accusations a year ago, claims that were ultimately dismissed by the State Bar. “Mr. Peterson made these claims over a year ago to the State Bar,” she explained, noting that the complaints were investigated and the matter was closed. To underscore her position, Holley reiterated: “I have never had business ties to Roc Nation.”
Adding further insight into their contentious relationship, court documents from Lanez’s trial revealed a point of contention between Holley and the rapper over his defense strategy. Lanez reportedly wanted to pursue a legal angle centered around Kelsey Harris, Megan Thee Stallion’s former friend, which has been informally referred to as the “Kelsey defense.” Holley, however, believed that this defense would be unconvincing and opted not to pursue it. Her refusal to support the “Kelsey defense” reportedly contributed to her decision to step down as his attorney, leaving Lanez to find new representation before his eventual sentencing. Lanez went on to face a conviction and a ten-year prison sentence, ultimately served under different counsel.
As the ethics complaint unfolds, Tory Lanez’s continued pursuit of justice for his case reflects the challenges of high-profile trials involving interconnected figures in the entertainment industry. While Holley’s record with Roc Nation remains untainted, her departure from Lanez’s team and his subsequent loss in court have left lingering tensions. Whether Lanez’s new complaint will fare better than his previous attempts remains uncertain, but this latest filing underscores his enduring distrust of a system he believes has ties that run too deep.
The ongoing developments between Lanez and Holley remind the public of the complex dynamics in celebrity trials, where legal, personal, and professional interests often intersect. As the case develops, both Lanez’s camp and Holley’s representation are likely to remain in the spotlight, setting a precedent for future allegations and ethics complaints in high-stakes entertainment cases.