In Los Angeles, the trial of A$AP Rocky continued with his lawyer vigorously questioning the main witness against him. The witness, A$AP Relli, claimed he was injured when Rocky fired a gun at him in 2021.
Relli, whose real name is Terell Ephron, testified that Rocky aimed a gun at him but didn’t actually touch him. Earlier in the day, he broke courtroom decorum by shouting at Rocky, “You did this to yourself.” Rocky, whose legal name is Rakim Athelaston Mayers, faces two felony charges related to this incident, which could lead to significant prison time if he is found guilty.
Rihanna, Rocky’s partner and the mother of their two young boys, was present during Relli’s testimony. Her support was evident as she entered the courtroom alongside Rocky after a lunch break. When reporters asked how she was doing, she simply replied, “I’m good, thank you.”
During the testimony, Relli stated that when Rocky fired the gun, he felt heat on his hand, which he later reported was grazed. However, he didn’t seek medical help for two days. This delay raised eyebrows, as defense attorney Joe Tacopina pointed out. Relli insisted that he wrapped his hand that night, but Tacopina questioned why he would wait two days to see a doctor.
Defending Rocky’s actions, Tacopina suggested that Relli only sought medical help because of advice from his lawyer regarding a separate civil lawsuit where he is seeking money from Rocky. Initially, Relli denied this but later admitted it after being confronted with his own words.
Further questioning focused on the time Relli spent in the hospital. Tacopina highlighted that it was only a brief visit for what Relli claimed was a gunshot. Relli explained that the delay was due to flying back to New York before he sought treatment.
The prosecution argued that the details of Relli’s injuries are not central to the case. Instead, the case hinges on whether Rocky committed the alleged assault. If convicted, Rocky could face up to 24 years in prison.
Throughout the questioning, Relli displayed frustration. He questioned the relevance of many questions and struggled to keep his composure under cross-examination. He denied claims made by the defense that he said he would drop the case for money, replying, “I wanted protection. I wasn’t sure it wouldn’t happen again.”
The defense team’s strategy includes arguing that the gun Rocky fired was a starter pistol loaded with blanks, used only for props. Relli initially claimed he didn’t know if Rocky carried guns but later seemed uncertain under further questioning.
Tensions escalated not just in the courtroom but also between the defense and prosecution. A heated argument broke out after the jury was dismissed for lunch, with both sides exchanging accusations and insults.
As the trial goes on, the stakes for A$AP Rocky are high, with both his career and freedom on the line. The outcome of this case could have lasting implications, especially as he prepares for a Grammy nomination this weekend, just a short distance from the courthouse.
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