Pop star Rihanna attended a Los Angeles courtroom on Wednesday to support her partner, rapper A$AP Rocky, during his ongoing trial on assault charges. A$AP Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, is facing two felony assault charges related to a 2021 shooting incident in Hollywood.
During the trial, it was alleged that A$AP Rocky pulled out a gun on his former friend, artist Terell Ephron, during a heated altercation, leading to shots being fired. However, A$AP Rocky has pleaded not guilty, claiming the weapon in question was a prop gun and suggesting that Mr. Ephron's motives are financially driven.
The trial, which commenced on January 24th, has been unfolding with testimonies from both parties, shedding light on their deteriorating friendship, the alleged shooting incident, and the subsequent events. The prosecution's case is built on witness statements, including surveillance footage capturing parts of the confrontation.
The case hinges on several contentious points, such as the nature of the weapon involved, the timeline of events, and the extent of Mr. Ephron's injuries. If convicted, A$AP Rocky could face a lengthy prison sentence of up to 24 years.
Rihanna's discreet entrance into the courtroom drew considerable media and fan attention, although her presence was not visible to the cameras covering the trial. Despite her high-profile status, jurors assured that her connection to the case would not impact their impartial judgment, highlighting the rigorous selection process to ensure a fair trial for A$AP Rocky.