A$AP Rocky has chosen not to testify in his ongoing trial in Los Angeles, where he faces allegations of firing a gun at former friend and collaborator A$AP Relli. The 36-year-old rapper, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, informed Superior Court Judge Mark Arnold that he would invoke his Fifth Amendment right to silence.
The case centers on a November 2021 incident in which prosecutors allege Rocky fired a gun at Terell Ephron, also known as A$AP Relli, outside a Hollywood parking garage. Surveillance videos presented to the jury aim to support the claims. However, Rocky’s defense argues the gun was a starter pistol used as a prop and not a real firearm.
Defense attorney Joe Tacopina has described Ephron’s accusations as being driven by “jealousy, lies, and greed.” Testimonies from Rocky’s inner circle, including his tour manager Lou Levin, have asserted the rapper carried the fake gun as a non-lethal form of self-defense following prior violent incidents, such as a home invasion.
Rihanna, Rocky’s partner and global pop icon, has shown her support by attending the trial on multiple occasions. The couple, who share two young sons, have drawn significant public attention throughout the proceedings.
Rocky is charged with two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm and faces up to 24 years in prison if convicted. Closing arguments are expected later this week.
Source: Swifteradio.com
