Crime
A$AP Rocky will go on trial next year on charges he shot a former friend with a gun
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A$AP Rocky is scheduled to go on trial in Los Angeles early next year on charges that in 2021 he fired a gun at a former friend and co-worker on the streets near a Hollywood hotel.
The trial of the 36-year-old rapper, fashion mogul, Grammy nominee and co-chairman of one other celebrity I met Gala is scheduled to start with jury selection on Jan. 21. He pleaded not guilty two counts of assault with a semi-automatic weapon. The trial was scheduled to begin on November 12, but his team asked during Tuesday’s hearing to postpone it because he will be headlining the Rolling Loud music festival in Thailand next month.
Superior Court Judge Mark S. Arnold said he would allow video cameras to broadcast the trial, which is predicted to last about two weeks.
“I believe that society deserves to see what happens in the courtroom,” the judge said.
He asked defense attorney Joe Tacopina whether Rihanna, with whom Rocky is in a relationship and has two children, plans to attend the trial in order that he can ensure proper safety for him.
Tacopina replied that he didn’t know, but “I almost guarantee it’s not every day.”
Another judge ruled as much after a preliminary hearing almost a year ago Rocky ought to be dropped at justice for allegedly firing a gun at Terell Ephron, a childhood friend, who testified that their relationship had soured and the dispute got here to a head on the night of November 6, 2021. Ephron testified that the bullets grazed his ankles.
If convicted on all charges, Rocky could resist 24 years in prison.
Tacopina said outside the courtroom Tuesday that he was confident Rocky would clear his name and that despite the delay: “He is looking forward to the trial. He doesn’t want this hanging over his head.
Rocky was recently elected because the celebrity chairman of… Met Gala in May with Pharrell Williams, Lewis Hamilton, Colman Domingo AND LeBron Jamesalthough the final result of the hearing may make it tougher for him to look on the hearing.