LOS ANGELES — During critical moments of questioning integral to A$AP Rocky’s defense, his attorney challenged the testimony of his alleged victim on Friday. The victim, known as A$AP Relli, claimed he sustained a hand injury when Rocky allegedly fired a weapon at him in 2021.

Rihanna, the celebrated singer and Rocky’s partner, was in attendance at the trial, which is being held in Los Angeles. She entered the courtroom about 30 minutes into Relli’s second day of cross-examination, taking a seat beside Rocky’s mother. After the lunch break, Rihanna walked in with Rocky for the first time, before leaving separately in an SUV. When approached by a reporter asking for her well-being, she responded, “I’m good, thank you,” having arrived previously without being noticed.

Relli had asserted during his testimony under the prosecution’s questioning that he felt his hand was hot when Rocky shot at him on a street in Hollywood, claiming that his hand was grazed. A photograph presented in court depicted scrapings on Relli’s knuckles. However, he did not seek medical assistance until two days later, once he was in New York.

Defense attorney Joe Tacopina pointedly questioned Relli’s delay in seeking medical care. “You waited to fly all the way across the country before seeking medical attention?” Tacopina queried. Relli responded, explaining that he had his hand wrapped the night of the incident but admitted it afterward. “I didn’t trust LA. I didn’t trust nobody,” he shared, showcasing skepticism towards the city following the event.

Rocky’s legal team maintains that Relli sought treatment only due to advice from his lawyer regarding a separate civil lawsuit where he is attempting to obtain financial compensation from the rapper. Initially, Relli refuted that claim; however, he conceded after reflecting on his earlier statements. Tacopina pressed further: “Your goal was to get money from Rocky, correct?” to which Relli insisted he was seeking protection over financial gain, fearing a repeat of the incident.

As Relli’s short hospital visit came under scrutiny, Tacopina pointed out the duration of his time there. “That’s one hour and 36 minutes for a gunshot, right?” he probed. Relli clarified it was two days post-incident. The prosecution had already warned jurors in their opening statements that the nature of any injuries to Relli was irrelevant to the charges against Rocky, which encompass two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm and could ultimately result in a 24-year prison sentence for the rapper.

Relli appeared noticeably agitated throughout his testimony. He frequently questioned the relevance of the inquiries, muttered responses, and required reminders from the judge to stick to “yes” or “no” responses. Upon listening to recordings the defense claimed featured him, he dismissed two as forgeries, while expressing uncertainty about a third. Tacopina pressed him about a recording where Relli allegedly indicated he would withdraw from the criminal case if provided with a hefty sum of money. “I don’t know; you tell me!” Relli retorted, questioning the authenticity of the audio presented.

Despite initially denying knowledge of a caller named Wally, Relli later conceded familiarity, stating, “He always hits me up asking me how I’m doing.” Nonetheless, he maintained insistence that the recorded calls played in court were not genuine. Following this critical phase, the defense wrapped up its cross-examination. Relli’s testimony spanned part of the week and is set to continue on Monday with further questioning from the prosecution.

Adding another dimension to the case, Rocky’s attorneys revealed just before the trial commenced that the firearm utilized was reportedly a starter pistol filled with blanks—a claim they argue Relli was aware of. When questioned about this, Relli stated he had never known Rocky to carry a gun. Tacopina pressed him further, questioning the practicality of using a prop gun in an intense situation. Heated exchanges ensued during a break, with Turcopina labeling Relli as a perjurer and accusing the prosecution of enabling dishonest testimony.

Rihanna and Rocky, both 36, share two sons, RZA Athelston Mayers, aged 2, and Riot Rose Mayers, aged 1. The trial continues with significant implications for Rocky’s career and personal life.