LOS ANGELES (AP) — The felony trial of rapper A$AP Rocky, who is charged with firing at his former friend A$AP Relli, is capturing widespread attention not only for the serious nature of the accusations but also for the high-profile presence of his partner, superstar singer Rihanna. Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, faces substantial legal repercussions stemming from the November 2021 incident, with guilty findings on counts of assault potentially resulting in up to 24 years behind bars.
This trial, which began on January 29, 2025, is fraught with tension. Relli has testified against Rocky, claiming he was shot at and suffered hand injuries during the confrontation. Notably, Rihanna has attended the proceedings multiple times, sitting beside Rocky's family, including his mother and sister, providing support amid the emotionally charged atmosphere.
During cross-examination, Rocky's defense attorney, Joe Tacopina, attempted to undermine Relli's credibility, questioning him about inconsistencies and motivations behind his claims. For example, Tacopina challenged Relli on why he waited two days to seek medical attention, which Relli attributed to feeling unsafe and distrustful of Los Angeles after the incident. “I didn’t trust LA. I didn’t trust nobody,” Relli stated, drawing focus on his state of mind post-confrontation.
Relli, visibly frustrated during questioning, at one point raised his voice, stating, “You did this to yourself,” directed at Rocky, which led the judge to intervene. The tensions escalated during the trial, culminating with Tacopina and deputy district attorney John Lewin engaging in heated exchanges throughout the testimonies, particularly surrounding evidence and the portrayal of Relli's character.
Relli's testimony includes claims of being shot at during what he described as “a heated argument on the street.” The defense, meanwhile, has posited the theory claiming Rocky's weapon was merely a starter pistol meant for safety, not meant to cause harm. Relli has contested this, expressing incredulity over the suggestion of using non-lethal firearms as protection. Tacopina aggressively questioned Relli about his motivations for seeking legal action, associatively probing whether this trial is more about financial compensation than about genuine safety concerns.
The emotional stakes are high for Rocky, especially with Grammy nominations looming. His fate could drastically alter his career and personal life. With two young children with Rihanna, the stakes aren't just professional. They carry the weight of parenthood and family, frontline concerns showcased by Rihanna's consistent presence at the trial.
Meanwhile, the trial also sparked controversy surrounding courtroom decorum, particularly with the use of racially charged language. Judge Mark Arnold had previously issued instructions to eliminate the full N-word from discussions, opting instead for the term “the N-word” to maintain decorum and avoid inflaming sensitivities. This decision highlights the complex interplay of race and language within the judicial system, particularly relevant to cases involving hip-hop artists.
Despite the directives, journalists and legal observers noted the frequent occurrence of the N-word throughout the proceedings. Legal experts have expressed concern over such language usage, emphasizing the need for sensitivity and caution. Renowned civil rights attorney David Sanford pointed out the ramifications of using such terms during legal proceedings, stressing it’s imperative to maintain the dignity and respect the courtroom is meant to uphold.
Rihanna's appearance adds another layer of scrutiny, with commentators speculating on the potential influence of her celebrity status on juror perceptions. Attorney Gloria Allred remarked on the challenges jurors face when exposed to famous figures, indicating, “Despite judicial instructions to focus solely on admissible evidence, it’s human nature for many jurors to look at a celebrity sitting in the courtroom.”
Rocky, maintaining his plea of not guilty, has been adamant about his innocence and insists the weapon was never used during the confrontation. “Who’s going to come to the situation and carry a prop gun?” Relli contested during his testimony, indicating the absurdity of Rocky’s defense. Tensions have soared as both sides prepared to deliver final arguments as the trial progresses.
Both Relli and Rocky have significant stakes riding on the outcome of this trial. Relli stands to gain considerable attention as he seeks vindication both personally and financially, as he is simultaneously pursuing civil damages against Rocky, claiming libel against Tacopina for earlier public statements.
With dramatic courtroom exchanges, legal hurdles, and significant questions about race and gender dynamics intertwined with public perceptions, the A$AP Rocky trial shines light on broader societal discussions. It reflects how celebrity status and accusations of violence affect public discourse, the judicial process, and the lives of those involved.
The trial continues as both sides await the jury's final interpretation of the testimonies and evidence presented. For Rocky, who has seen acclaim and fame throughout his career, the ground beneath him trembles with uncertainty.