The Waves: Gender, Relationships, Feminism · Slate Podcasts

How Drake Betrayed Megan Thee Stallion

·45 min·4 clips

Megan Thee Stallion describes the moment Tory Lanez shot her, fearing for her life as he screamed 'dance'.

This episode of The Waves analyzes the sentencing of rapper Tory Lanez for shooting Megan Thee Stallion and explores the cultural archetype of the "Toronto mans." Host Sachi Cole is joined by guest Kathleen Newman-Bremang, a deputy director at Refinery29 and a Toronto native. The conversation centers on the case's details, the public reaction, and a critique of specific male celebrities from the Toronto area. In July 2020, Tory Lanez shot Megan Thee Stallion in the foot after an argument following a party at Kylie Jenner's house. Lanez was convicted on three felony counts, including assault with a semi-automatic firearm, and was ultimately sentenced to ten years in prison. Newman-Bremang argues the sentence was proportional, noting he could have received up to 22 years, and expresses frustration that public debate still questioned whether the shooting occurred. The guest highlights that Megan initially lied to police, claiming she stepped on glass, to protect Lanez and others in the car, a fact later used to undermine her credibility. She notes the case was prosecuted by the Los Angeles District Attorney's office, not brought by Megan herself, forcing her to relive the trauma publicly. A major insight is the connection drawn between Lanez's behavior and the "Toronto mans" archetype, described as men from the area who project a veneer of niceness or emotional intelligence. Newman-Bremang reads an Urban Dictionary definition characterizing them as "Drake wannabes" who wear specific athletic gear and overuse the word "bro." She and Cole identify Drake, The Weeknd, and Tristan Thompson as prime examples of this globalized archetype. The discussion identifies a pivotal moment where Drake, on a song with 21 Savage, implied Megan lied about the shooting, which the host and guest condemn as adding to misinformation. Newman-Bremang hopes this lyric forever tarnishes Drake's reputation as a self-proclaimed feminist. They analyze the intense public vitriol against Megan as a clear example of misogynoir, the specific oppression Black women face at the intersection of racism and sexism. The tone is conversational, analytical, and sharply critical, blending cultural commentary with personal perspective from a Canadian insider. Listeners interested in the intersections of hip-hop, gender politics, and celebrity culture would find this episode compelling. Those seeking a neutral, fact-based legal analysis of the case or who are unfamiliar with the central figures might choose to skip it.

As heard by us

Pop drama becomes a sharp read on masculinity, power, and the stories men tell about themselves.

This episode uses Megan Thee Stallion and Tory Lanez as a way into a sharper argument about gender, masculinity, and how Toronto men frame themselves against American Black masculinity.

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Why you'd press play

You want a sharp take on the Megan Thee Stallion and Tory Lanez story that moves past the headline and into gender, masculinity, and insecurity.

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