Iggy Azalea’s full letter written to a Los Angeles judge prior to Tory Lanez’s sentencing, obtained by @meghanncuniff:
Dear Honorable Judge Herriford,
I’m writing to you in regards to a case in your court.
My name is Iggy Azalea and I’ve been a successful musician for the last decade.
Ive sold over 65 million records throughout my career, had number 1 hits on the billboard hot 100 and broken records previously held by ‘The Beatles’.
My music has been nominated for 6 Grammys and I have a multitude of other musical awards.
Throughout my career I’ve toured with some of the biggest acts in music: from Beyonce to Pitbull.
Ive also collaborated with everyone from Britney Spears to Jenifer Lopez. In short, like yourself, I’m great at what I do and I’m well respected by my peers.
Becoming successful is incredibly hard to do and maintaining success is even harder.
The music industry is not designed to empower Artists – especially not women.
You learn to expect misogyny at every turn, no matter how much you’ve personally achived.
Sadly I’ve spent my entire career battling sexism and bad behavior behind the curtains.
One unfortunate consequence of that is I am victim of abuse myself.
I must make note of the things ive suffered through so that you understand definitively:
I would not write to you on behalf of an abuser.
In fact, its the very reason I felt it imperative I share my viewpoint as a woman in music: in regard to Daystar Peterson.
You are presiding over his case and It would mean a great deal to me if you’d please let me share with you why “Tory Lanez” is far from your average entitled rap star.
I believe in justice and I know you do too. You’ve dedicated your life’s work to it and I respect that deeply.
Thats why im taking my time to do this, because I know the person you are understands in order to truly conclude what a fair sentence is, You need better understanding of who the person you’re sentencing IS at their core.
Judge Herriford, I was elated when I saw your name in relation to this trial because you have a reputation of being a very fair judge.
In fact its one of the reasons I was sadnned Daystar had subpar legal counsel and did not take the stand at his own trial.
We’ve all been frozen in fear before. The unfortunate side effect of his choice is he’s been painted in the most unrecognizable way: to you, the jury and the public.
