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A$AP Rocky Trial Update: Prosecutors Wrap Up Case Against Rapper

Los Angeles County prosecutors concluded their case on Thursday in the ongoing trial of rapper and fashion figure A$AP Rocky, who faces charges for allegedly shooting at a former friend on the streets of Hollywood in 2021.

During eight days of testimony, the prosecution presented five witnesses, including police officers, a detective, and a firearms expert. However, the most crucial testimony came from the accuser himself, A$AP Relli, an aspiring music manager and Rocky’s former friend. Relli’s time on the stand spanned approximately three days and included a tense cross-examination.

In heated exchanges with defense counsel Joe Tacopina, Relli expressed frustration, stating, “You think you’re slick! You’re not going to keep tripping me up!” His testimony depicted a deteriorated friendship that escalated into a confrontation, resulting in Rocky allegedly firing two shots at him. Relli claimed that while his knuckles were grazed, he did not sustain serious injuries.

A$AP Rocky has pleaded not guilty to two felony counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm, and if found guilty, he could face up to 24 years in prison.

On Thursday afternoon, Rihanna, Rocky’s long-time partner and mother of their child, made a rare appearance in the courtroom after several days away. She was present during Relli’s testimony last week, highlighting the personal stakes involved in this legal battle.

The defense is set to begin its case, with A$AP Twelvyy, a member of the A$AP Mob collective, first to take the stand. This entourage of friends has roots tracing back to their high school days in New York nearly 20 years ago.

Rocky’s decision to take the stand remains uncertain; he is not obligated to testify. He previously rejected a pre-trial plea deal that would have sentenced him to just 180 days in jail and minor penalties in exchange for a guilty plea on a single charge.

Next up for the defense will be Rocky’s tour manager, Lou Levin, as they aim to present their side of the story.

Known for his artistic talents, A$AP Rocky first gained significant recognition with his debut studio album topping the Billboard 200 in 2013. In recent years, however, his identity as a fashion icon has garnered almost as much attention, with his upcoming role as a celebrity co-host at the Met Gala set for May.

Interestingly, Rocky’s courtroom attire has sparked discussions, with reports detailing a noteworthy outfit including an “Yves jacket in wool chine” and “high-waisted pants.” His fashion choices even emerged in recorded phone conversations presented in court, where Relli referred to the case as reflective of Rocky’s image rather than his actions, suggesting, “this is the case of Dior.”

Wally Sajimi, an internet branding consultant who collaborated with both Rocky and Relli, provided notable testimony after flying in from Paris. Sajimi had recorded conversations with Relli, which included claims that he aimed to profit from Rocky through a separate civil case rather than pursuing the criminal charges for justice. These recordings were pivotal, as they contradicted the narrative put forth by Relli during the trial.

In one recording, a voice resembling Relli’s stated the litigation plan was premeditated, reinforcing the perception that monetary gain was his primary motive. However, during cross-examination, Deputy District Attorney John Lewin affirmed that Relli’s accounts aligned consistently with his testimony, challenging the notion that his motives were entirely mercenary.

Detective Frank Flores of the LAPD also testified Thursday. He acknowledged a surveillance video of the incident did not definitively confirm a shooting, yet he combined observations from multiple videos and audio recordings of suspected gunshots to assert that a shooting occurred. The defense, while not disputing that an incident took place, contends that Rocky discharged a blank-firing starter pistol for personal safety.

As the trial progresses, the jury will face the challenging task of weighing Relli’s testimony against the broader context of the case, including the potential motivations behind his accusations and the evidence presented.

Source
www.theguardian.com