A$AP Rocky’s criminal trial, in which he faces charges of opening fire on his former friend A$AP Relli, has been postponed from mid-November to late January. The trial delay was granted by a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge after the rapper’s lawyer, Joe Tacopina, requested it due to the musician’s travel commitments, the Thanksgiving holiday, and an issue with evidence. The new trial date is set for January 21, 2025.
The delay in the trial ensures that A$AP Rocky can still perform as the headliner at Rolling Loud Thailand, which was previously announced. The judge had already ordered that Rocky must attend jury selection and each day of the trial, despite being out on bond and given permission by his lawyers to appear on his behalf.
During the court proceedings, the judge inquired about the potential attendance of Rihanna, who shares two young sons with A$AP Rocky. Tacopina stated that he was unsure if Rihanna would be present in court every day, citing the couple’s children as a potential barrier to her attendance. The judge expressed concern about possible security measures but welcomed Rihanna if she chose to attend.
Following the hearing, Tacopina expressed gratitude for the judge’s accommodation of his client’s profession and stated that A$AP Rocky is eager to face the trial and be vindicated. He also mentioned that the decision regarding Rihanna’s attendance is a family matter.
A$AP Rocky, born Rakim Mayers, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. If convicted, he could face up to 24 years in prison. At a preliminary hearing, prosecutors presented video evidence of the alleged gun assault, claiming that Mayers fired a weapon after confronting Relli near a parking garage in Hollywood. The surveillance footage captured the altercation and subsequent moments, although the video of the alleged shooting was inconclusive.
During his testimony, Relli claimed to be the victim of an armed ambush orchestrated by A$AP Rocky. He alleged that Mayers pulled out a firearm and threatened him before firing shots that grazed his hand. Relli also accused Mayers of initiating a physical altercation and claimed that Mayers had been avoiding his financial obligations.
In addition to the criminal trial, A$AP Rocky is also facing a lawsuit brought by Relli, alleging assault, battery, negligence, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Tacopina has previously stated that his client is the victim of a failed shakedown and that the assault allegation is part of an extortion attempt.
The judge in the criminal case emphasized that A$AP Rocky’s celebrity status should not affect the trial, stating that everyone should be treated equally under the law.
