Major twist in A$AP Rocky's assault trial: What's happening now
What's the story
The high-profile trial of Grammy-nominated rapper A$AP Rocky, charged with two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, took a dramatic turn on Monday (US time). In a major twist, his legal team hinted that the hip-hop star may testify in his own defense. The decision was revealed during discussions with a Los Angeles judge late Monday, AP News reported. Here's everything you need to know about the unfolding trial.
Assault details
Rocky's charges stem from an alleged assault on fellow musician
To note, Rocky is accused of firing two shots at A$AP Relli, a fellow A$AP Mob (hip hop group) member. Relli, whose legal name is Terell Ephron, claimed his knuckles were grazed in the shooting but he wasn't otherwise injured. Police found no physical evidence at the scene after a report of a shooting. However, Relli returned to the scene and said he recovered two 9mm shell casings which he later handed over to police.
Defense strategy
Rocky's potential defense and previous testimonies
Rocky, popstar Rihanna's partner, is expected to testify that the gun he fired twice during a scuffle on a Hollywood street corner in 2021 was a starter pistol that only fired blanks. The testimony would be in line with previous statements from his tour manager and another witness from his inner circle who confirmed he carried the phony gun for security reasons.
Witness account
Tour manager's testimony supported Rocky's defense
Lou Levin, Rocky's tour manager, testified that he advised the rapper to carry the starter pistol after his house was broken into. "Security and I thought it would be a good idea, because of the prior violence," Levin said. He further revealed that he acquired the gun from a video shoot in the summer of 2021, about three months before the incident leading to Rocky's charges.
Cross-examination
Levin's testimony faced scrutiny from the prosecution
Levin's testimony was also put to the test by Deputy District Attorney John Lewin, who cast doubt on his credibility. Lewin disputed Levin's claim that an ammunition magazine found in Rocky's house belonged to him and not the rapper. He also challenged Levin's statement that he saw the prop gun in Rocky's possession earlier on the day of the incident but wasn't there during the confrontation.
Testimony anticipation
Rocky's testimony: A potential game-changer or risk?
Rocky's lawyer, Joe Tacopina, said either his client would testify early Tuesday or the defense would rest its case. The announcement prompted the prosecution team to prepare overnight for a possible testimony from the rapper. Although he is not legally obligated to testify, Tacopina had said before the trial that Rocky was "eager to tell his story." Meanwhile, Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, has pleaded not guilty to the charge