A$AP Rocky's assault trial prosecutors criticize him and Rihanna for bringing their children to court
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: District Attorney John Lewin voiced concerns about the presence of A$AP Rocky’s children and his partner, Rihanna, in the courtroom during closing statements on February 14 at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in Los Angeles.
Lewin addressed the jury, stating, “This is not something you’re allowed to consider. No matter how famous his partner is, no matter how cute his kids are, he needs to be treated like any other person.”
A$AP Rocky and Rihanna visibly upset by prosecution’s comments
The prosecution argued that the presence of Rocky’s family could unfairly sway the jury’s opinion as they deliberate on the charges against him.
Lewin’s comments appeared to unsettle Rocky and Rihanna, both 36, who shifted in their seats.
The judge later instructed both legal teams that there should be no further mention of Rihanna or the children during the trial.
Rihanna, who has attended multiple sessions since the trial began on January 21, brought their two toddlers, RZA (two years old) and Riot (18 months), to court on February 13.
The children were well-behaved and stayed until the first break, after which Rocky and Rihanna left the courtroom holding their sons, according to People.
Before returning to the proceedings, Rihanna was seen telling her children, “Wish Daddy good luck,” as Rocky kissed her and their children.
Charges against A$AP Rocky explained
Rocky A$AP, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, faces two felony charges of assault with a semi-automatic firearm.
He is accused of firing a gun at his former friend and ASAP Mob member, ASAP Relli, during an altercation in November 2021.
If convicted, Rocky could face up to 24 years in prison.
Opting for a jury trial instead of accepting a plea deal, Rocky’s defense team, led by Joe Tacopina, argued that the firearm in question was a “prop gun” used for protection against potential threats.
Tacopina also claimed that ASAP Relli’s allegations were financially motivated, calling the case a “fabricated narrative” aimed at profiting from Rocky’s fame.
Prosecution and defense present contrasting narratives
The prosecution, however, presented a different version of events, stating that ASAP Relli believed the meeting with A$AP Rocky would be an opportunity to resolve their differences.
Prosecutor Przelomiec asserted that “this is not a complicated case,” and urged the jury to rely on common sense when evaluating the defense’s claim about the prop gun.
During closing arguments, the prosecution dismissed the defense’s narrative as “illogical” and “absurd,” while the defense accused ASAP Relli of inconsistencies and falsehoods, stating, “Everything that doesn’t come from Relli shows you that this is not a real gun.”
Legal battle extends beyond criminal trial
In addition to the criminal charges, ASAP Relli filed a civil lawsuit against A$AP Rocky in August 2022, citing assault, battery, and emotional distress.
Rocky’s legal team denied all allegations, attributing any damages to third parties.
A$AP Rocky was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport in April 2022 and released on bail the same day.
