ASAP Rocky Rejects Plea Deal -- The Trial Continues

On January 21, 2025, rapper A$AP Rocky, legally known as Rakim Mayers, declined a plea deal as his trial commenced in Los Angeles. The proposed agreement required him to plead guilty to one of two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, entailing 180 days in jail, a seven-year suspended sentence, and three years of probation. By rejecting this offer, Rocky faces a potential 24-year prison sentence if convicted on both counts.

The charges stem from a November 6, 2021, incident where Rocky allegedly fired a gun at his former friend, Terell Ephron, known professionally as A$AP Relli. Ephron testified that their relationship had deteriorated, culminating in the alleged shooting near a Hollywood hotel, with bullets reportedly grazing his knuckles.

Jury selection began with over 100 potential jurors present. During questioning, four admitted to being fans of Rihanna, Rocky's longtime partner and mother of his two sons, raising concerns about potential biases. The defense also noted a lower representation of African Americans in the jury pool than expected, highlighting potential demographic disparities.

Rocky's attorney, Joe Tacopina, revealed plans to call witnesses to testify that the firearm seen in security footage was a starter pistol used as a prop, challenging the prosecution's narrative.

The trial, expected to last two to three weeks, could significantly impact Rocky's career, including his role as a celebrity chair at the upcoming Met Gala and a major part in an upcoming Spike Lee-directed film. As proceedings continue, the court will scrutinize the credibility of Ephron's testimony and the evidence presented, determining the outcome of this high-profile case.