Rapper A$AP Rocky opted not to testify in his Los Angeles trial, choosing to invoke his Fifth Amendment right to silence. He faces charges related to a 2021 incident involving a firearm.
Rapper A$AP Rocky made a dramatic decision in his Los Angeles trial, choosing to remain silent instead of taking the stand on Tuesday, January 29, 2025. When asked by Superior Court Judge Mark Arnold if he had discussed the matter with his lawyers, Rocky responded with a simple, “Absolutely, your honor.” He then invoked his Fifth Amendment right to silence, effectively ending his potential testimony.
Rocky's legal team, led by attorney Joe Tacopina, had signaled earlier that either Rocky himself or the defense would rest its case on Tuesday. Prosecutors, led by Deputy District Attorney John Lewin, had prepared for the possibility of Rocky's testimony. Tacopina had previously stated that his client was “eager to tell his story” and would welcome the opportunity. However, subjecting a defendant to a grueling cross-examination is often a risky gamble in criminal cases.Rocky faces a potential sentence of up to 24 years in prison if convicted. He rejected a pre-trial plea deal that could have resulted in a significantly shorter sentence of 180 days. Prosecutors were reportedly prepared to launch a rigorous cross-examination of Rocky, drawing comparisons to Lewin's high-profile prosecution of Robert Durst, where the real estate heir endured nine days of relentless questioning before being convicted of murder. The Grammy-nominated musician, fashion icon, and actor, whose legal name is Rakim Mayers, is known for his long-term relationship with singer Rihanna, with whom he has two young sons. If he had taken the stand, it was likely Rocky would have testified that the gun he fired twice – during a scuffle with a former friend on a Hollywood street corner in 2021 – was a blank-firing starter pistol that he carried for security purposes. His tour manager, the second member of Rocky's inner circle to testify, corroborated this claim
A$AP Rocky Trial Fifth Amendment Criminal Charges Rapper
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
A$AP Rocky Invokes Fifth Amendment Right in Assault TrialRapper A$AP Rocky has chosen to invoke his Fifth Amendment right to silence in the ongoing trial stemming from a 2021 altercation in Hollywood. The decision comes after weeks of testimony and just hours before closing arguments are scheduled.
Read more »
A$AP Rocky Invokes Fifth Amendment Right in Shooting TrialRapper A$AP Rocky appeared in court on Wednesday and invoked his Fifth Amendment right to silence after being asked if he had discussed the case with his lawyers. The decision comes after three weeks of trial and ahead of closing arguments scheduled for Thursday morning. Rocky faces up to 24 years in prison if convicted of assault with a deadly weapon.
Read more »
A$AP Rocky Trial: A$AP Relli Makes Surprise Admission in Gun Assault TrialA$AP Relli, the man who claims A$AP Rocky shot at him three years ago, made a surprise admission in testimony on Monday
Read more »
A$AP Rocky on Trial for Alleged Shooting of A$AP RelliHip-hop star A$AP Rocky faces two felony assault charges for allegedly shooting his former friend A$AP Relli in 2021. The trial, receiving national attention due to Rocky's relationship with Rihanna, hinges on witness testimony and credibility as physical evidence is scarce.
Read more »
A$AP Relli's Testimony Becomes Contentious in A$AP Rocky Assault TrialTerell Ephron, formerly known as A$AP Relli, the alleged victim in the assault trial of rapper A$AP Rocky, faced intense questioning from the defense attorney, Joe Tacopina. Ephron claims Rocky attacked him four years ago, while the defense insists the weapon involved was a prop gun from a music video.
Read more »
A$AP Relli Testifies in A$AP Rocky TrialA$AP Relli, the man who claims rapper A$AP Rocky pointed a gun at him in 2021, continues his testimony in Rocky's trial. The defense challenges Relli's account of the events, highlighting inconsistencies in his statements. Rocky, who faces felony assault charges, remains silent during the proceedings.
Read more »