LOS ANGELES — The A$AP Rocky assault trial has entered its most dramatic phases, marked by emotional testimonies and tense confrontations. A man who claims Rocky fired a handgun at him, known as A$AP Relli, took the stand once again on Friday after enduring grueling cross-examination from Rocky’s defense attorney, Joe Tacopina.
Relli testified about the alleged 2021 incident, stating, "A gun was pulled on me. It was pointed at me, and it was fired later.” This comment underscored the seriousness of the charges leveled against Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Athelaston Mayers. He faces two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic handgun, which could result in up to 24 years of incarceration if convicted.
Relli's testimony has often taken center stage during this trial, especially as he described moments leading to the alleged shooting outside of Hollywood. “It’s been three years. If he was innocent, he would be home a long time ago,” Relli contended, referring to the extensive period since the shooting took place. His recollections, though marked by nervousness and uncertainty at times, painted Rocky as both threatening and reckless.
On Friday, the courtroom was not lacking for drama as Relli expressed his frustration at Tacopina's line of questioning, which included discussions about Relli's Instagram posts and threats he was receiving. “Why are you showing my Instagram? I’m already getting death threats,” Relli exclaimed, concerned for his safety and his daughter’s as well.
Superstar singer Rihanna, A$AP Rocky's partner and the mother of their two young children, has been quietly supporting her partner throughout proceedings, marking her third day attending the trial. Each appearance seen as adding emotional weight to the situation, bringing up questions about how celebrity status and personal relationships might affect jurors' perceptions of the facts presented.
The defense, trying to discredit Relli's account, dove deep, probing his memories from the incident. Relli acknowledged under harsh scrutiny, "I had my hand wrapped,” referring to his injuries sustained during the confrontation with Rocky. His frustration was palpable; he stated, “I didn’t trust LA. I didn’t trust nobody” after the incident, hinting at the lasting impacts the shooting had on his life.
Rocky’s legal team has also argued he was not carrying real firearms at the time, claiming any weapon involved was likely just a starter pistol—a claim Relli disputed, noting he didn’t know Rocky to carry guns. This detail has added complexity to the case, with both sides desperately trying to gain leverage as the trial continues.
The intense atmosphere escalated on Thursday as the courtroom was filled with fiery exchanges between lawyers. Relli, who had been visibly agitated and at times confrontational during his testimony, shouted, “You did this to yourself!” directly at Rocky, leading to swift admonishments from the judge, displaying the emotional stakes of the proceedings.
Both Rocky and Relli share past camaraderie as former friends within the music industry, having known each other since high school. The evolution of their relationship—from friendship to contention—is at the heart of the case. It raises broader questions about trust, betrayal, and the consequences of violence within the celebrity space.
Relli's testimony continued to depict Rocky as acting aggressively during the incident, with claims Rocky threatened him directly, stating he would kill him. Such allegations put Rocky's previous claims of innocence under scrutiny, as he argues he never intended to harm Relli.
The stakes continue to climb as the trial coincides with other significant moments for Rocky. This Saturday, he is nominated for his third Grammy Award, presenting a stark juxtaposition to the gravity of his current legal battles just two miles from the crypto arena set to host the awards ceremony.
With each passing day, the trial exposes raw emotions and the fragile dynamics of relationships under duress. How the jury interprets Relli’s accounts and the defense’s intentions may alter the course of Rocky's future, not only influencing the outcome of this trial but also impacting the careers of all involved.
Despite the chaos surrounding the courtroom drama, one thing remains clear: the intertwined lives of these artists bring forth reflections on accountability, fame, and the obligatory spectacle of public life—a space where emotions often clash with legal consequences.