LOS ANGELES (AP) — A$AP Rocky and his legal team are contemplating the possibility of having the hip-hop artist take the stand in his own defense at his trial, where he faces two felony charges of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. During discussions with a Los Angeles judge late Monday, Rocky’s lawyer Joe Tacopina indicated that his client may testify on Tuesday or that the defense could conclude its case. A prosecutor mentioned that they were preparing for Rocky’s potential testimony overnight. While it is not mandatory for him to testify, exposing a defendant to cross-examination can be a significant risk in criminal proceedings.
Before the trial, Tacopina stated that Rocky was eager to share his side of the story and would welcome the chance to do so. However, due to a media restriction imposed by the judge, the attorneys refrained from commenting outside the courtroom. If convicted, Rocky could face a maximum sentence of 24 years in prison.
The Grammy-nominated rapper, known for his fashion endeavors and acting roles, is in a long-term relationship with pop superstar Rihanna and they have two young sons together. While Rihanna was not present in court on Monday, she has made occasional appearances, including leaving the courthouse with Rocky last Friday. There is speculation that she may attend court to observe his testimony.
Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, is expected to testify that the gun he discharged during an altercation with a former acquaintance in Hollywood in 2021 was a starter pistol designed to fire blanks, carried for his security. Testifying on Monday, his tour manager revealed that he gave Rocky the imitation firearm after a break-in at his home, considering it a nonlethal self-defense measure.
The trial manager testified that he acquired the prop gun during a video shoot in the summer of 2021, months before the incident that led to the charges. Despite efforts to locate the starter pistol, it is not currently in the possession of the defense. Authorities have also been unable to recover the alleged firearm used by Rocky.
Additionally, the tour manager explained that an ammunition magazine found at Rocky’s residence belonged to him, not the rapper, and was mistakenly left behind. Prosecutors argue that the magazine could have been compatible with the rounds allegedly used in the shooting incident. The manager denied fabricating a story, insisting that his statements are truthful.
The tour manager, also known as A$AP Lou, recounted his association with Rocky and his role as a personal assistant and later tour manager. When questioned about his loyalty to Rocky, the manager asserted his commitment to the truth.
“Well, I read that he was facing 24 years, and I don’t want to see him go to jail for 24 years.” The response was struck from the record due to the jury’s prohibition from hearing the potential length of the sentence. Rocky stands accused of firing two shots at A$AP Relli, a fellow member of the A$AP Mob, a group of musicians and artists they established in high school in New York. Relli, whose legal name is Terell Ephron, stated that his knuckles were grazed during the shooting, but he sustained no other injuries. Law enforcement officers who investigated the scene following the report of the shooting found no physical evidence. However, Relli revisited the location and claimed to have retrieved two 9mm shell casings. Two days later, when he reported the incident to the police, he handed over the shell casings as evidence.
