Inside the Highly Anticipated Trial of A$AP Rocky: Charges, Controversy, and What’s at Stake
With stakes high, courtroom drama, and Rihanna's name in the mix, here’s everything to know about the case and its potential impact.
The highly anticipated trial of A$AP Rocky began with jury selection on January 21, 2025. The acclaimed rapper and fashion mogul stands accused of firing a gun at a former collaborator near a Hollywood hotel in 2021.
Facing two felony charges of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, Rocky's legal battle has drawn widespread attention — not only for the charges themselves, but also for the public intrigue surrounding his relationship with iconic singer, actress, and entrepreneur Rihanna.
With the trial expected to span three weeks, the stakes are high as Rocky faces a potential maximum sentence of 24 years in prison.
Here’s a breakdown of the key factors shaping this case.
Who: A$AP Rocky (Rakim Mayers), best known for hits like “Peso,” his debut mixtape Live. Love. A$AP, and his work with the A$AP Mob collective.
What: Jury selection began Tuesday, January 21, 2025 for Rocky’s trial, where he faces two felony charges of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. Prosecutors allege that in November 2021, Rocky fired a gun at former collaborator A$AP Relli (Terell Ephron), grazing his knuckles after a dispute near the W Hotel in Hollywood.
The 12-person jury in A$AP Rocky's trial consists of seven women and five men, with no Black jurors — a point of concern raised by Rocky's legal team during jury selection. Out of the 106 people in the jury pool, only five were Black. Civil rights leader Al Sharpton also criticized the lack of Black representation on the jury, especially given the diverse demographics of Los Angeles.
The jury includes White, Asian, and Hispanic members, while the four alternates are all women.
Rocky has pleaded not guilty, and his defense claims the alleged weapon was a prop gun incapable of firing real ammunition. He rejected a plea deal offered to him that included 180 days in jail, a guilty plea to the most serious charge — assault with a semiautomatic weapon — along with a seven-year suspended sentence, three years of probation, and 500 hours of community service.
Flacko's lawyer, Joe Tacopina (whose past clients include President Donald Trump and rapper Meek Mill), told TMZ, accepting the plea bargain would be a career ender for his client. "He is not taking ANY PLEA, because he has always maintained his innocence," he stated.
Where: The incident occurred in Los Angeles, specifically at a parking garage near the W Hotel in Hollywood. The trial is taking place in Los Angeles Superior Court.
When: The shooting allegedly happened on November 6, 2021.
Why it matters: If convicted, A$AP Rocky faces up to 24 years in prison. The trial highlights not only the legal challenges Rocky faces, but also the impact a potential conviction could have on his career and personal life.
Rocky’s legal history is also under scrutiny. He previously made headlines in 2019 during an international legal battle in Sweden, where he was convicted of assault, but avoided prison time.
Will Rihanna testify?
On Wednesday, January 29, 2025, Rihanna appeared in Los Angeles court to show support for Flacko.
Although Rihanna is not expected to testify, her name has surfaced multiple times ahead of the trial. During jury selection, Los Angeles Superior Judge Mark Arnold repeatedly sought clarification on Rocky’s marital status from his lawyer.
Judge Mark S. Arnold asked Rocky’s attorney, Joe Tacopina, how Rihanna should be referred to in court.
“She’s his common-law wife, your Honor,” Tacopina replied, suggesting she could also be referred to as his wife. The prosecution, however, argued against using that term unless they are legally married.
Additionally, potential jurors were questioned on whether Rihanna’s presence at the trial would impact their impartiality in the case.
Will the trial be streamed?
The Associated Press and Court TV will livestream ASAP Rocky's assault trial on YouTube.
Newsweek confirmed that Superior Court Judge Mark Arnold has approved a single camera in the courtroom, meaning all streams will likely broadcast the same footage from inside the court.
What’s next?
The trial will examine evidence, including surveillance footage and testimonies, to determine Rocky’s culpability. It also coincides with his busy career schedule, including headlining Rolling Loud Los Angeles in March, co-chairing the Met Gala in May, and appearing in Spike Lee’s upcoming summer film Highest 2 Lowest with Denzel Washington.
The courtroom proceedings may draw attention not just to Rocky’s legal defense, but to broader discussions about fame, accountability, and the intersection of personal and professional life.