The jury in A$AP Rocky’s felony assault trial received the case after the prosecution urged them to focus solely on the evidence, setting aside any emotional ties to the rapper, his wife Rihanna, and their children. The jurors, comprising seven women and five men, will deliberate on two counts of assault with a firearm, with potential prison sentences reaching up to 24 years. The trial, characterized by three weeks of testimonies, saw Rihanna frequently in attendance, notably bringing their young children during the closing arguments, which the prosecutor suggested was an attempt to influence the jury.
Defence attorney Joe Tacopina challenged the credibility of A$AP Rocky’s accuser, A$AP Relli, presenting deleted messages from Relli indicating he provoked the altercation. Tasopina contended that jurors should question Relli’s reliability, emphasising discrepancies in his testimony. The prosecution asserted that if the gun was not a prop, self-defence claims fall apart.
As the case wrapped up, Judge Mark Arnold cautioned the prosecution against referencing Rocky’s family. The jury’s discussions are set to resume after a long weekend, placing A$AP Rocky’s future at a critical hinge.