
*A$AP Rocky, the Grammy-nominated rapper and fashion icon, is currently embroiled in a high-profile felony assault trial in Los Angeles, facing a potential 24-year prison sentence for allegedly shooting fellow rapper A$AP Relli in November 2021.
The trial commenced on Friday, just days after Rocky rejected a plea bargain that his lawyer, Joe Tacopina, has labeled a “career ender” for the musician. With the stakes so high, Rocky has opted to maintain his innocence and fight the charges in court.
Plea Deal Rejected: A Risky Gamble
The plea deal presented to A$AP Rocky included a 180-day jail sentence, a guilty plea to assault with a semiautomatic weapon, a seven-year suspended sentence, three years of probation, and 500 hours of community service. According to sources close to Rocky, accepting such a deal would dramatically affect his career.
“This would effectively end his career because he would lose all of his endorsement contracts, including Gucci, Puma, and the Met Gala,” a source revealed. The rapper’s ability to tour, a primary revenue source for artists, would be severely limited under the proposed terms, essentially putting an end to his livelihood.
Despite the risks, Rocky’s defense remains firm: “He is not taking ANY PLEA, because he has always maintained his innocence,” Tacopina stated to TMZ. The rapper pled not guilty to the charges in 2022 and was released on bond after a police raid on his home following a trip to Barbados with his partner, Rihanna, with whom he shares two sons.

Opening Statements and Trial Dynamics
As the courtroom proceedings began, opening statements from both the prosecution and defense painted a vivid picture of the events surrounding the alleged assault. Prosecutors were keen to highlight videos that they claim show Rocky threatening and attacking A$AP Relli. The jury was shown footage “allegedly” depicting Rocky beating Relli and later running through the streets while firing a gun.
In contrast, Tacopina sought to undermine the prosecution’s narrative, arguing that Relli, whose real name is Terell Ephron, was motivated by resentment towards Rocky’s success. Tacopina suggested that Relli, who had alleged he was threatened with death by Rocky, perceived the rapper’s growing fame and fortune as a threat to his status. “Rocky’s success bred resentment in Relli,” he argued, as he urged the jury to consider the psychological background of both individuals.
Conflict Over Evidence and Jury Composition
The trial has not only been characterized by disputes over evidence but also raised questions regarding its proceedings. Judge Mark S. Arnold ruled on various pieces of evidence, including bullet casings, allowing the defense to consult a firearms expert while declining to exclude other evidence. This decision has the potential to shape the trial’s outcome significantly.
One notable aspect was the composition of the jury. The selected panel includes seven men and five women, but notably, none of the jurors are Black. This fact has sparked dialogues about representation and fairness in a case that revolves around issues of race and celebrity culture.

The Story Behind the Shooting
The events leading to the shooting are complex and fueled by an unfolding narrative involving A$AP Relli’s claims of a broken camaraderie within the A$AP Mob. Relli alleged that Rocky shot at him during an altercation, after a heated dispute about financial contributions regarding a friend’s funeral. His minor injury—treated at a hospital—has raised eyebrows, especially since the alleged weapon was reportedly a prop gun Rocky had for the show.
Tacopina asserted that Rocky was licensed to carry a firearm but chose not to involve real ammunition for safety reasons. The defense claims that Relli is fabricating details of the incident, emphasizing that Relli even returned to the crime scene hours later to supposedly “find” bullet casings to extort Rocky.
A$AP Rocky’s Future at Stake
With the stakes as high as they are, the trial is being closely watched not only for its legal implications but also for its potential effect on A$AP Rocky’s career. If convicted, Rocky faces significant time in prison, which would halt his career progress and curtail his ability to support his family.
As the trial continues, the court will delve deeper into the evidence, and both sides prepare for a battle that could redefine the careers and lives of the key figures involved. Fans of A$AP Rocky are left anxiously awaiting the outcome, as his future hangs precariously in the balance.

MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: Jury Selection in A$AP Rocky Trial Sparks Racial Concerns with All Non-Black Members