A$AP Rocky, whose legal name is Rakim Mayers, is currently facing trial in Los Angeles for two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. The charges stem from a 2021 incident where his former friend, A$AP Relli (Terell Ephron), alleges that Mayers shot at him, grazing his hand. The incident occurred in Hollywood, and if convicted on both counts, Mayers could face up to 24 years in prison. The trial commenced this week after years of delays, marking a significant moment in the ongoing legal saga.
The prosecution offered Mayers a plea deal before the trial began, suggesting 180 days in county jail, three years of probation, and a seven-year suspended prison sentence if he pleaded guilty to one of the counts. However, Mayers declined the offer, opting to proceed with the trial. Deputy District Attorney John Lewin expressed his concern to Mayers’ family, suggesting the rapper should have accepted the deal. This decision highlights the gravity of the situation and Mayers’ belief in his innocence.
Jury selection became a point of contention during the trial’s initial proceedings. The final jury comprises seven women and five men, with white, Asian, and Hispanic representation. Notably, the jury lacks any Black members, a point raised by Mayers’ legal team. They argued that the lack of Black jurors in a trial held in downtown Los Angeles, where the Black population is significant, was concerning and potentially prejudicial. The judge rejected this argument, stating that there is no legal requirement for a specific ethnic representation on a jury.
Further adding to the complexities of jury selection, one juror identified as a firearms instructor with a legal background, while an alternate juror is an entertainment attorney. Mayers’ defense team expressed confidence in having a juror familiar with firearms, asserting they have “nothing to hide” and believe this juror’s expertise could be beneficial. This unusual jury composition adds another layer of intrigue to the proceedings.
Opening statements began on Friday, with the prosecution presenting their case first. They argued that A$AP Relli trusted that Mayers wouldn’t shoot him, even after seeing Mayers with a firearm. The prosecution claims Relli even dared Mayers to shoot, after which Mayers allegedly fired two shots, one of which grazed Relli’s hand. Text messages exchanged between the two men after the incident were presented as evidence, revealing animosity and conflicting accounts of the events.
The trial has generated public commentary, including criticism from civil rights activist Reverend Al Sharpton, who questioned the fairness and representativeness of the jury. The judge in the case, Judge Arnold, has emphasized that Mayers’ celebrity status and relationship with Rihanna will not influence the proceedings. Legal experts have also weighed in, with some suggesting the presence of a firearms instructor on the jury could be a double-edged sword for both the prosecution and the defense. The defense is set to deliver its opening statements following the prosecution, after which witness testimony and further evidence will be presented. The trial continues to unfold with significant public attention and potential implications for Mayers’ future.
