A$AP Rocky jury begins deliberations
A Los Angeles jury began deliberations in the high-profile felony assault trial of rapper A$AP Rocky, who faces two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. The charges stem from a November 2021 incident involving former friend and A$AP Mob member Terell Ephron (A$AP Relli) in Hollywood.
Rocky, whose given name is Rakim Mayers, is on trial on two felony counts of assault with a semi-automatic weapon.
The trial, spanning three weeks, saw Rocky's defense team, led by attorney Joe Tacopina, argue that the rapper used a prop gun in self-defense during what they claimed was related to a music video shoot. Prosecution, however, maintained the weapon was real and Rocky's actions were unprovoked. If convicted on both counts, Rocky could face up to 24 years in prison.
During closing arguments, Deputy District Attorney John Lewin urged jurors to focus solely on evidence, expressing concerns about potential jury manipulation after Rihanna, Rocky's partner, brought their two young children to court for the first time during closing arguments. The judge later instructed the prosecutor to cease mentioning Rihanna and the children's courtroom presence.
Defense attorney Tacopina challenged the credibility of Ephron, presenting deleted text messages that showed the accuser urging Rocky to fight him before the incident. The defense also highlighted surveillance footage they claim shows Ephron as the aggressor. Ephron testified that his knuckles were grazed by one of the shots, though no gun was produced as evidence by either side.
The case has drawn significant media attention, partly due to the involvement of high-profile figures. The seven-woman, five-man jury will begin discussions.
Throughout the trial, Rihanna has been a constant presence, often seen leaving court arm in arm with Rocky, who was born Rakim Mayers.
The prosecution argued that Rocky's status influenced witness testimony, particularly regarding claims about the prop gun. The trial's outcome remains uncertain as jurors weigh evidence from both sides in this closely watched legal battle.
