LOS ANGELES — During the ongoing trial of A$AP Rocky, a judge expressed optimism that a jury would be finalized by Thursday. The legal team representing the hip-hop artist has raised concerns regarding the low number of Black jurors on the panel.

The Los Angeles courtroom is expecting nearly a hundred potential jurors for a lengthy third day of questioning. A$AP Rocky faces two charges of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, stemming from an incident in Hollywood in 2021, where he allegedly fired shots at a former friend. Once a total of 12 jurors and four alternates have been selected, opening statements will commence.

“I have confidence that we will finalize the jury tomorrow,” announced Superior Court Judge Mark Arnold at the conclusion of Wednesday’s session, acknowledging the jurors’ understanding during this extended selection process. “This will not drag on indefinitely.”

Aside from dismissals for cause, each side is allowed to exclude 10 jurors without needing to provide justification. The defense has utilized four of their permissible challenges thus far, while the prosecution has only used one, expressing satisfaction with their current list of potential jurors, although this could change.

In a related matter, A$AP Rocky’s attorneys are preparing to contest a judge’s refusal to consider their request regarding the racial composition of the jury pool—specifically, less than 5% of potential jurors being Black despite the area’s population being 9% African American. Concerns have been raised that none of the 16 jurors ultimately chosen will be Black.

“We find this concerning, especially considering our location in downtown Los Angeles, not a small town,” remarked defense attorney Joe Tacopina.

Social activist Rev. Al Sharpton took to the platform X to voice his dismay over the jury’s racial makeup, stating: “It is absolutely outrageous that the jury lacks fairness and diversity, depriving A$AP Rocky of a just trial. I am actively monitoring the situation and urging the Los Angeles District Attorney to ensure equitable justice for him.”

The judge, however, opted not to suspend the trial to allow time for the appeal process.

Prosecutors continued their questioning of potential jurors on Wednesday, exploring their perceptions of law enforcement and celebrity culture. Deputy District Attorney John Lewin inquired about how many in the jury box consider themselves fans of Rihanna, A$AP Rocky’s longtime partner and mother of his children, with four individuals indicating they are fans.

Lewin also asked about potential concerns regarding the impact that a conviction on two felony counts of assault—each stemming from the use of a firearm—could have on Rihanna. One juror candidly stated after some contemplation, “You put that thought in my head, and now I’m concerned it might affect her.”

A$AP Rocky, who is currently out on bail and has entered a plea of not guilty, sat attentively at the defense table during this questioning phase. Although Rihanna was not present in court, A$AP Rocky’s mother and sister were there to support him. Judge Arnold took a moment to comment on the youthful look of Rocky’s mother, Renee Black, jokingly questioning her age when she had him. “You are very beautiful,” the judge complimented, which was noted in the court record.

The selection of the jury began Tuesday following A$AP Rocky—whose real name is Rakim Athelaston Mayers—refusing a plea deal that would have required him to serve 180 days in jail, alongside a seven-year suspended sentence and three years of probation in exchange for a guilty plea on one of the two assault charges.

Meanwhile, Rocky is scheduled to headline the Rolling Loud California music festival in March and has recently been named as a celebrity co-chair for the Met Gala in May. He also has an upcoming role in a Spike Lee film alongside Denzel Washington, set to be released shortly after the trial. However, his future could hang in the balance if he is found guilty of firing a weapon at Terell Ephron, a former friend with whom he has had a contentious relationship stemming from an incident on November 6, 2021, where Ephron claimed he was grazed by bullets.