Jury selection begins in A$AP Rocky’s gun trial over 2021 shooting

[KENNEDY FELTON]

The world may know him for his music and high fashion – but today – ASAP Rocky’s biggest stage is the courtroom as his highly anticipated gun trial kicks off.

Jury selection begins Tuesday in Los Angeles for the 36-year-old’s trial on two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. The charges stem from a 2021 incident where he allegedly fired a gun at a former friend – Terell Ephron – also known as ASAP Relli. Rocky has pleaded not guilty.

Outside the courtroom, Rocky has been making headlines for his relationship with Rihanna. The pair – who have two children – were a topic of discussion during a recent pretrial hearing that sparked social media buzz.

“If they’re not legally married, we prefer that she not be referred to as his wife and if she’s just referred to as his significant other or mother of his child”

“Are they legally married anywhere?”

“I don’t know.”

The exchange stemmed from a question by Judge Mark Arnold, who asked if Rocky and Rihanna were legally married. Rocky’s attorney – Joe Tacopina – referred to her as his ‘common law wife’ but the judge ruled she could only be referred to as his wife if they were legally wed, which remains unclear. The distinction matters, as spousal privilege – which can prevent one spouse from testifying against the other – only applies to legally married couples.

Rocky has been ordered to appear in court each day for the duration of the trial which is expected to last 15 days. Prosecutors have indicated they will offer him a plea deal.

After the January 15th pretrial hearing, Tacopina told reporters he believes the case against Rocky is weak – citing the lack of fingerprints or shell casings linking him to the incident.

“I THINK IF THERE WERE THINGS FOR THEM TO FIND, THEY WOULD HAVE FOUND THEM.”

Tacopina also shared that Rocky would welcome the opportunity to testify and tell his side of the story.

If convicted, Rocky could be sentenced to up to 24 years in prison. With SAN, I’m KF.