The Megan Thee Stallion Verdict and Beyond
The Megan Thee Stallion verdict highlights the ongoing struggle for recognition and respect for Black women.
I just wrote an article about the impact Houston has had on Hip Hop, and Megan Thee Stallion is currently the brightest star reigning from Houston. She is also a survivor. On December 23, 2022, rapper Tory Lanez was found guilty of all three felony firearm counts over the shooting of fellow rapper Megan Thee Stallion in July 2020. Lanez, whose legal name is Daystar Peterson, was convicted of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, negligent discharge of a firearm, and carrying a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle. The verdict marks the end of a trial that highlighted the pervasive issues facing Black women who report abuse and the ways in which they are often dismissed, disbelieved, and harassed.
Megan Thee Stallion, whose real name is Megan Pete, was shot in the feet after leaving a Hollywood Hills party. She immediately went to the hospital and reported the incident to the police. Despite her clear testimony, and the fact that she had bullet fragments removed from her feet, she faced a backlash of disbelief and harassment on social media. She was called a liar, accused of trying to ruin Lanez’s career, and subjected to misogynistic insults.
The trial brought to light many issues that Black women face when reporting abuse, including the ways in which they are often dismissed and disbelieved. Despite Megan Thee Stallion’s clear and consistent testimony, the defense attempted to shift the blame to her former friend and ex-assistant, Kelsey Harris, who they claimed had a sexual relationship with Lanez and was jealous of Megan. However, Harris’s testimony was inconclusive, and she was unable to confirm whether Lanez had fired the shots that injured Megan.
Moreover, the trial demonstrated the ways in which Black women are subjected to intrusive and often irrelevant questions about their behavior and character when they report abuse. Megan Thee Stallion was forced to defend her drinking habits, her social life, and her relationships with men in order to prove that she did not deserve to be shot. The defense also suggested that Megan had exaggerated or fabricated the events, using misogynistic stereotypes of women as irrational and emotional.
The case of Megan Thee Stallion highlights the urgent need for greater support and respect for Black women who report abuse. Black women are disproportionately affected by domestic and sexual violence, and yet they face many barriers to getting justice. These barriers include racism, sexism, poverty, and a lack of access to legal and medical services.
Moreover, Black women are often subjected to media scrutiny and public shaming when they report abuse. They are accused of being opportunistic, attention-seeking, and dishonest. They are also criticized for their appearance, behavior, and choices, as if these are somehow relevant to the abuse they have suffered. This stigma and victim-blaming can deter women from reporting abuse and seeking help, perpetuating a cycle of violence and trauma.
Megan Thee Stallion is not the only Black female celebrity who has faced unfair treatment by the media when she was the victim. In recent years, several high-profile cases have highlighted the ways in which Black women are dismissed, disbelieved, and blamed for the violence and abuse they experience.
One of the most notorious cases is that of R. Kelly, the R&B singer who was recently found guilty of multiple charges of sexual abuse and exploitation. For years, Kelly was able to evade justice despite numerous allegations of abuse and misconduct. Many of his accusers were Black women and girls who were subjected to relentless victim-blaming and harassment by Kelly’s fans and supporters.
Another example is that of actress and comedian Mo’Nique, who in 2019 accused Netflix of gender and racial discrimination for offering her a low salary for a comedy special. Mo’Nique argued that she was being paid less than her white and male counterparts, and that Netflix had a pattern of undervaluing Black women in the industry. However, her claims were dismissed by some media outlets and commentators, who accused her of being entitled and ungrateful. Mo’Nique’s case highlighted the systemic biases that exist in the entertainment industry, where Black women are often paid less, promoted less, and given fewer opportunities than their white and male colleagues.
Serena Williams, the greatest female athlete of all time, has faced numerous instances of sexism and racism throughout her career. Williams has been subjected to racist and sexist comments by fans, commentators, and officials, who have questioned her skills, her temperament, and her appearance. In 2018, Williams was penalized during the US Open final for arguing with the umpire, a decision that many saw as unfair and biased. Williams later spoke out about the double standards and discrimination that Black women face in the sport.
These examples demonstrate the ways in which Black women are often subjected to discrimination, harassment, and disrespect in both public and private settings. They also show the ways in which Black women are leading the fight for justice and equality, despite the many obstacles they face. Black women like Megan Thee Stallion, Mo’Nique, and Serena Williams are using their voices and platforms to challenge the status quo, to demand change, and to inspire others to do the same.
As a society, we need to do much better in respecting and believing Black women. We need to listen to their stories, acknowledge their experiences, and hold their abusers accountable. We need to challenge the stereotypes and biases that contribute to victim-blaming and disbelief, and to create safe and supportive spaces for survivors to come forward. We need to provide access to legal and medical resources, and to address the systemic factors that perpetuate violence and inequality.
We also need to recognize the crucial role that Black women play in social justice movements, and to center their voices and perspectives in our efforts to create a more just and equitable world. Black women have been at the forefront of many important movements, including the Civil Rights Movement, the Black Lives Matter Movement, and the #MeToo Movement. They have been leaders, organizers, and visionaries, working tirelessly to challenge oppression and to build a more inclusive and humane society.
In conclusion, the case of Megan Thee Stallion and Tory Lanez highlights the urgent need for greater respect and support for Black women who report abuse. It shows us that we need to challenge the stereotypes and biases that contribute to victim-blaming and disbelief, and to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions. It also reminds us that we need to listen to women’s voices, believe their experiences, and support their fight for justice and equality. Megan Thee Stallion is a prime example of how Black women are leading the way in this fight, and how we can all learn from their courage, resilience, and determination. As a society, we need to do much better in respecting and believing Black women, and in recognizing their immense contributions to our collective struggle for freedom and justice.
