A$AP Rocky, the globally renowned rapper and fashion icon, declined a plea deal that would have seen him serve 180 days in jail.
A$AP ROCKY’S PLEA DEAL
The high-profile trial kicked off in Los Angeles on Tuesday. The 36-year-old is accused of firing a gun at a former friend during a heated confrontation in 2021.
If convicted, Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, could face up to 24 years in prison, according to Rolling Stone.
The plea offer required Rocky to admit guilt to one count of assault with a semiautomatic firearm.
In exchange, prosecutors would recommend a seven-year suspended sentence, three years of probation, and a six-month jail term.
A$AP ROCKY DECLINES THE PLEA DEAL
However, standing before the court, Rocky respectfully declined the offer, opting to take his chances with a jury.
Rocky’s lawyer, Joe Tacopina, claimed that the firearm in question was merely a prop, according to the New York Post.
“It’s a starter pistol used for security purposes,” he told the court. This argument, alongside testimonies from witnesses, will form the cornerstone of Rocky’s defence.
The accusations stem from an incident in November 2021.
THE CASE
Terell Ephron, a childhood friend of Rocky, alleged that a feud between the two escalated into gunfire near a Hollywood hotel. Ephron claimed that bullets grazed his knuckles.
The case has drawn intense media attention. Cameras will be allowed in the courtroom once the jury is seated, which is expected by Wednesday.
The jury selection process has been thorough, with over 100 potential jurors called, according to The Guardian.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mark Arnold addressed the jurors directly. “Mr Mayers is an entertainer. His life partner, Rihanna, is also an entertainer.
Their fame must not influence your judgement,” he instructed.
A$AP ROCKY AND RIHANNA
The couple, who are parents to two toddler sons, are among the most talked-about celebrities globally. Rihanna, however, is not expected to attend the trial.
Rocky’s trial comes at a time when his career is soaring.
They have announced him as one of the celebrity chairs for the upcoming Met Gala in May, and he stars in an upcoming Spike Lee film alongside Denzel Washington.
A conviction, however, could derail these plans.
JURORS FOR THE CASE
The atmosphere in the courtroom was occasionally light-hearted. Tacopina, who hails from New York, joked with jurors about his accent.
“When I speak with this ridiculous accent, is anyone going to hold it against me?” he asked, drawing laughs.
Meanwhile, jurors shared their own experiences, including disruptions caused by recent wildfires in the Los Angeles area. One juror revealed she was fostering animals displaced by the fires.
The trial also touched on broader societal issues, such as attitudes towards hip-hop.
JUDGEMENT ON RAP MUSIC
When asked, some jurors admitted negative feelings about the genre, often citing parenting concerns. Deputy District Attorney John Lewin reminded them, “You’re not here to pass judgment on rap music.”
South Africans, who have embraced both A$AP Rocky’s music and Rihanna’s global appeal, will likely follow the trial closely.
While the drama unfolds in California, the stakes for Rocky remain sky-high, both professionally and personally.
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