LOS ANGELES — A$AP Rocky has recently rejected a final plea deal from prosecutors that would have required him to serve 180 days in jail. This decision unfolds as jury selection commenced for his trial on Tuesday, placing him at risk of a potential guilty verdict that could lead to years in prison.
The plea offer extended to the 36-year-old hip-hop artist, who is also a fashion icon and actor, involved him pleading guilty to one of two felony charges related to assault with a semiautomatic firearm. As part of the agreement, prosecutors from Los Angeles County would recommend a seven-year suspended sentence along with three years of probation and the six-month jail term. However, Rocky, whose legal name is Rakim Mayers, declined this option in court.
The rapper faces serious charges stemming from an incident in 2021, during which he allegedly fired a weapon at a former friend near a hotel in Hollywood. If found guilty, he could face a maximum of 24 years in prison. Rocky has maintained his innocence and has pleaded not guilty.
During the court proceedings, Rocky’s attorney, Joe Tacopina, disclosed plans to present witnesses who would argue that the firearm captured on a security video was merely a starter pistol that Rocky used as a prop for security purposes.
In the downtown Los Angeles courtroom, a pool of over 100 potential jurors was assembled, waiting for the selection process to begin. Opening statements are anticipated as soon as 12 jurors, along with alternates, are finalized, which is scheduled for at least Wednesday. The courtroom will permit cameras during the opening statements, marking a significant moment in the trial’s media coverage.
Notably, Rocky shares a long-standing relationship with pop superstar Rihanna, and the couple is raising two young sons together. Tacopina indicated that Rihanna is unlikely to make an appearance in court.
Rocky has gained recognition as one of the celebrity chairs for the upcoming Met Gala in May, in addition to a prominent role in an upcoming Spike Lee film featuring Denzel Washington. However, a conviction could dramatically alter the course of his career and personal life.
Superior Court Judge Mark Arnold expressed his intention to expedite the jury selection process, implementing strict regulations regarding the time allowed for attorneys to question potential jurors. “Mr. Mayers is an entertainer,” Judge Arnold remarked. “His stage name is A$AP Rocky. His life partner is also in entertainment; her name is Rihanna. Being a celebrity should neither endanger nor benefit him.”
Among the first twelve jurors questioned, four acknowledged familiarity with Rocky, while ten recognized Rihanna. In 2023, another ruling from a judge mandated that Rocky stand trial for allegedly firing a gun at Terell Ephron, a childhood acquaintance whose relationship with Rocky had reportedly soured, culminating in the altercation on November 6, 2021. Ephron testified that he sustained grazes from the bullets during the incident.
Initial inquiries during jury selection revealed that many potential jurors have been affected by recent wildfires in the Los Angeles region. One woman mentioned fostering displaced animals, while a man noted he had to evacuate due to the fires. Judge Arnold also shared that he had to leave his home for 11 days to ensure safety. “Fortunately, my house didn’t burn down,” Arnold said.
During the selection process, one man was excused because he expressed strong anti-gun sentiments that he believed would impede his ability to be impartial. Meanwhile, Tacopina sought to gauge jurors’ attitudes towards hip-hop artists and their music, with several jurors articulating negative views that were, however, not overwhelmingly strong. Parenting was cited as a reason for their changing perspectives on the genre by one panelist.
In response to the jurors, Deputy District Attorney John Lewin clarified that their verdict would not be based on their feelings about rap music, to which all jurors responded affirmatively. Tacopina, hailing from New York like his client, humorously inquired whether anyone might be put off by New Yorkers, eliciting laughter in the courtroom. “When I get up here with this ridiculous accent, which I try to minimize but can’t, will anyone have an issue?” he asked jokingly. “I should remind you that we handed over the Dodgers to you a while back.”
No jurors expressed any negative feelings about him. “I love LA,” the attorney concluded, promoting a lighthearted atmosphere as the jury selection continued.
