Los Angeles, CA – Pop superstar Rihanna was spotted in a Los Angeles courtroom on Wednesday as her partner, rapper A$AP Rocky, faced trial on two felony assault charges. The high-profile case revolves around allegations that the rapper, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, brandished a gun and fired multiple times at his former friend, Terell Ephron, in November 2021. If convicted, A$AP Rocky could face up to 24 years in prison.
The trial, which began on January 24, delves into an altercation between A$AP Rocky and Terell Ephron, also known as A$AP Relli. Both were once members of the A$AP Mob hip-hop collective and had been close friends since their high school days in New York. Their relationship reportedly deteriorated over time as Rocky’s career soared.
Prosecutors allege that after a disagreement, Rocky and Ephron met outside a Hollywood hotel near the Walk of Fame, where the situation escalated. Court documents claim that Rocky pulled a gun from his waistband, pointed it at Ephron, and threatened to kill him. After initially walking away, Rocky allegedly turned back, drew the weapon again, and opened fire, grazing Ephron’s knuckles. While no video evidence of the actual shooting exists, surveillance footage reportedly captured the sound of gunfire.
Rocky has pleaded not guilty to the charges, with his defense arguing that the gun in question was merely a prop weapon, encouraged by his security team for protection. His lawyers also highlighted inconsistencies in Ephron’s actions, noting that he waited several days before reporting the incident to the police and allegedly retrieved shell casings from the scene himself. Authorities found no immediate evidence of a shooting when they initially responded to the report.
Rihanna, who shares two children with A$AP Rocky, sat alongside the rapper’s mother and sister in the courtroom. Her presence drew significant media and public attention, though she entered through a private entrance and remained out of the televised trial’s camera view.
Prosecutors questioned jurors about Rihanna’s influence, with some acknowledging her fame but assuring the court that it would not impact their impartiality. While it remains unclear if she will continue attending the trial, her support has already made waves both inside and outside the courtroom.
The trial is expected to last for about three weeks, with a jury of 12 determining Rocky’s fate.
