LOS ANGELES — In the ongoing trial of A$AP Rocky, the hip-hop artist has chosen not to testify during proceedings related to two felony assault charges involving a semiautomatic firearm. On Tuesday, the defense rested its case without calling Rocky to the stand, and he informed Superior Court Judge Mark Arnold that he would exercise his Fifth Amendment right to remain silent, responding affirmatively when asked about the discussions he had with his attorneys regarding this decision.
“I want my right to not testify,” the 36-year-old star declared in court. The prosecution may still bring in one more rebuttal witness later in the day, with closing statements expected to take place on Thursday, concluding the three-week trial.
Rocky’s attorney, Joe Tacopina, had stated the day before that either the rapper would take the stand or the defense would conclude its case. Prosecutors had indicated they were ready to respond if Rocky did choose to testify. Tacopina had previously mentioned that Rocky was keen to share his side of the story, but acknowledged that putting a defendant on the witness stand often carries its risks, particularly amidst complex cross-examinations.
If found guilty, Rocky could face a maximum of 24 years in prison, a significant outcome considering he had turned down a pre-trial plea offer that would have allowed him to serve only 180 days behind bars. During the trial, it was anticipated that he would have faced challenging cross-examination from Deputy District Attorney John Lewin—a prosecutor noted for his rigorous interrogation style, having infamously questioned real estate heir Robert Durst for nine consecutive days in a murder trial.
The Grammy-nominated artist, who has made a name for himself in music, fashion, and acting, is in a long-term relationship with global superstar Rihanna, and they share two young sons. Rihanna has made occasional appearances at court proceedings, the most recent being on Friday, when they exited the courthouse together, sharing a moment of camaraderie.
Rocky, whose birth name is Rakim Mayers, was reportedly planning to testify that the gun he discharged during an altercation with a former associate on a Hollywood street in 2021 was actually a starter pistol that only fired blanks, which he carried for protection purposes. His tour manager recently became the second individual from Rocky’s close associates to corroborate claims that the rapper carried a non-functional firearm.
Lou Levin remarked that it was a practical decision for Rocky to have it, especially after experiencing break-ins at his home by a stalker and other incidents. “Security and I thought it would be a good idea, because of the prior violence,” Levin stated. “It’s just a nonlethal form of self-defense.” He disclosed that he had obtained the starter pistol from a video shoot several months prior to the incident in question and returned it on the day it happened. Upon later inquiry after Rocky’s arrest, the pistol was no longer in the possession of the video’s co-director.
Furthermore, authorities have not recovered the alleged weapon used by Rocky. Levin testified that a magazine discovered in Rocky’s home during a search warrant actually belonged to him. In response, Lewin accused Levin of fabricating his account, labeling various elements of the narrative as deceptive. “I didn’t have to come up with a story — it’s the truth,” Levin firmly retorted.
