LOS ANGELES (AP) — In an ongoing trial, A$AP Rocky, a well-known rapper, faces serious allegations that he fired a gun at a former friend in 2021. On Monday, the key witness, known as A$AP Relli, testified that none of the individuals involved in the incident suggested that the firearm used was fake until the trial commenced two weeks ago. This contradicts the defense's argument that Rocky carried a starter pistol that only fired blanks for security purposes.
During the courtroom proceedings in Los Angeles, Deputy District Attorney Paul Przelomiec confronted Relli with text messages sent after the incident. In one message, Relli alleged that Rocky attempted to "try killing" him and that Rocky had disrupted his relationship with his daughter. When pressed by the prosecutor, Relli confirmed that Rocky did not indicate through any of their communications that the gun was not real. This statement raised eyebrows, particularly because it was the first revelation to the jury about the defense's claim regarding a prop gun, despite the incident occurring over three years ago and a detailed preliminary hearing in 2023.
The courtroom atmosphere grew tense as Relli often responded with anger and frustration during cross-examination. On Monday, he vocally expressed his irritation towards the defense attorney, asserting, "You're annoying, bro!" Such outbursts have characterized his testimony, painting a picture of the emotional toll the trial has taken on him.
Despite the absence of Rihanna, A$AP Rocky's longtime partner and the mother of his children, who had previously attended the trial for three consecutive days, Rocky maintained a plea of not guilty to two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 24 years in prison.
On the previous day, Rocky had notably attended the Grammy Awards nearby but did not win. He lost to Kendrick Lamar, a significant contender during the event, where he was nominated for the third time. Relli's testimony, which began on Wednesday, became a focal point in the trial as he displayed evasiveness and anger when faced with challenging questions from the defense team.
As Relli faced his final set of questions from the defense, he became increasingly agitated. "I'm not on trial. I've been here for five days, dealing with this man," he exclaimed. His frustration was palpable as he accused the defense lawyer, Joe Tacopina, of trying to trip him up during questioning.
In a previous session, Relli had claimed that recordings presented by the defense regarding discussions of potential monetary compensation were fabricated. The defense suggested that Relli had initially contacted law enforcement to leverage the situation for financial gain in a civil lawsuit against Rocky. On Monday, a surprise witness, Wally Sajimi, who had recorded conversations with Relli, took the stand to present evidence that seemed to contradict Relli's claims. The jurors heard a recording in which a voice resembling Relli's indicated he would cease participating in the criminal case upon receiving payment, stating, "Once I walk away, when I get my cash, the case will get way weaker." Sajimi, who has professional ties to both Rocky and Relli, testified that he maintains a closer friendship with Rocky.
The atmosphere in the courtroom remains charged as both sides prepare to present their cases further. With Relli’s testimony and Sajimi’s revelations impacting the proceedings, the trial continues to unfold as a critical crossroads for both A$AP Rocky and the key witness involved.
