LOS ANGELES (AP) — A$AP Rocky, the renowned rapper, fashion mogul, Grammy nominee, and celebrity co-chair of the upcoming Met Gala, is scheduled to face trial in Los Angeles early next year. The trial, set to commence on January 21, will see the 36-year-old artist defend himself against charges of firing a gun at a former friend and collaborator near a Hollywood hotel in 2021. A$AP Rocky has pleaded not guilty to two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm.
Originally slated to begin on November 12, the trial was postponed after A$AP Rocky’s legal team requested the delay due to his headlining performance at the Rolling Loud music festival in Thailand next month. Superior Court Judge Mark S. Arnold has granted permission for video cameras to broadcast the trial, which is expected to last approximately two weeks. “I believe that the public deserves to see what goes on in the courtroom,” stated the judge.
During a hearing, Judge Arnold inquired whether Rihanna, A$AP Rocky’s partner and mother of his two children, plans to attend the trial, as security arrangements would need to be made accordingly. Defense lawyer Joe Tacopina responded that he was uncertain, but expressed doubt that she would be present every day.
The decision to proceed with the trial was made by another judge following a preliminary hearing nearly a year ago. The alleged victim, Terell Ephron, testified that his relationship with A$AP Rocky had deteriorated, leading to a confrontation on the night of November 6, 2021, where Ephron claimed bullets grazed his knuckles. If convicted on all charges, A$AP Rocky could face a maximum sentence of 24 years in prison.
Tacopina expressed confidence outside the courtroom that A$AP Rocky would be exonerated and emphasized his client’s eagerness to proceed with the trial. “Having this hanging over his head is not something he wants,” Tacopina stated.
