In Los Angeles, the trial of hip-hop star A$AP Rocky nears its conclusion, with his lawyer expected to complete the closing argument on Friday. Rocky faces accusations of shooting at a former friend, who the defense claims has provided false testimony regarding key aspects of the case. The defense attorney, Joe Tacopina, emphasized to the jury that they have the power to disregard all testimony from a witness they find to be untruthful.
On the previous day of the trial, known singer Rihanna, who has been a consistent presence throughout the three-week proceedings, entered the downtown Los Angeles courtroom with their two young sons. In his closing remarks, Tacopina argued that if the jury concludes that Rocky's accuser, referred to as A$AP Relli, was dishonest, it would effectively dismantle the case against Rocky. “This is a man whose tongue is a stranger to the truth,” Tacopina stated, asserting that crucial facts presented by Relli turned out to be false.
The jury is set to deliberate on two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm following the completion of the defense's closing arguments and a rebuttal from prosecutors. Deputy District Attorney Paul Przelomiec, during the prosecution's closing arguments, posed a pivotal question to the jurors: “Was it a real gun or was it a fake gun?” He insisted that the evidence overwhelmingly indicates that Rocky fired a real gun on November 6, 2021, at a Hollywood street corner.
In contrast, the defense claims that the firearm was a prop gun firing blanks, which Rocky had taken for security purposes from the set of his music video for “DMB,” featuring Rihanna. In the courtroom, Rihanna quietly managed her son with a toy while observing the proceedings. During breaks, Rocky was seen interacting with the jury and holding one of his children. If convicted, he could face a sentence of up to 24 years in prison.
Previously close friends, Rocky and Relli share a history dating back to their high school days in New York as part of the A$AP Mob creative collective. Their friendship reportedly deteriorated by 2021, culminating in an altercation outside a Hollywood hotel, where Rocky allegedly fired shots at Relli. Relli asserted that he suffered grazes on his knuckles from the bullets; however, Tacopina dismissed this injury as “knuckle scrapes,” arguing there’s no bullet that could cause such marks and presenting a photograph of Relli’s hand to support his claim.
Witnesses for the defense, including A$AP Twelvyy and Rocky’s tour manager, testified that Rocky fired blanks from a known prop gun. Przelomiec countered this by asserting that the testimonies were coordinated lies. He pointed out the lack of a physical gun produced as evidence in court, emphasizing that “there is literally no evidence of a prop gun.” However, Tacopina contended that “there’s definitely a lot less evidence of a real gun.”
The trial has captivated public attention partly due to Rocky's celebrity status and the notable presence of Rihanna within the courtroom. As the jury prepares for deliberation, the outcome remains uncertain, reflecting the complexities and high stakes of the legal proceedings surrounding this high-profile case.
