Rihanna makes 1st court appearance at partner A$AP Rocky’s trial, as accuser testifies
Rihanna made a surprise appearance at the Los Angeles trial of her partner, rapper A$AP Rocky, who is facing charges for allegedly firing a handgun at a former friend. The singer sat out of view of the courtroom’s cameras, sitting next to Rocky’s mother and sister in the downtown Los Angeles criminal courthouse. Security discreetly brought her into the courtroom to avoid crowds.
Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Athelston Mayer, is facing two felony charges related to the incident where he allegedly fired a gun at his former friend, known as A$AP Relli. Relli testified in court about the moment Rocky allegedly fired a gun at him on a Hollywood street in 2021. He mentioned that he was hit or grazed by the gunshot but did not sustain any serious injuries.
During the trial, jurors were asked about Rihanna’s connection to the case and whether it would impact their ability to deliver a verdict. Most jurors were aware of Rihanna and described themselves as fans, but they all stated that it would not affect their decision-making process.
If convicted, Rocky could face up to 24 years in prison for two felony counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm. His lawyer argues that the shots fired were blanks from a starter pistol that Rocky carried as a prop.
Relli testified that his relationship with Rocky had deteriorated over the years, leading up to the incident. The altercation escalated when Rocky pulled out a gun on him near the W Hotel. Relli expressed his disbelief at the situation and stated that it was a breaking point for him.
Despite the ongoing trial, Rocky has a promising year ahead as a multimedia star. He is nominated for a Grammy Award for best music video and is set to headline the Rolling Loud Music Festival. Additionally, he will star in a film directed by Spike Lee and co-chair the Met Gala in May.
Rocky and Rihanna, who share two young sons, first connected in 2012 when Rocky provided a verse for Rihanna’s song “Cockiness (Love It).” They officially became a couple in 2020. Their relationship, along with Rocky’s legal troubles, adds a layer of complexity to his upcoming projects and personal life.
