Jury selection is set to commence on Tuesday in the trial against A$AP Rocky, who faces charges of firing a gun at a former friend and could potentially receive a lengthy prison sentence if found guilty. The 36-year-old hip-hop star has entered a plea of not guilty to two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, with his attorney maintaining his innocence.
A$AP Rocky, a Grammy-nominated artist, fashion entrepreneur, and actor, is in a long-term relationship with Rihanna, with whom he shares two young sons. While it remains uncertain whether Rihanna will be present to show support during the trial, his attorney has indicated that her attendance is unlikely.
Despite his upcoming role as one of the celebrity chairs at the Met Gala in May and a significant part in an upcoming Spike Lee-directed film alongside Denzel Washington, A$AP Rocky's future hangs in the balance with the possibility of a conviction that could result in a sentence of up to 24 years if convicted of shooting at his former friend in Hollywood in 2021.
Superior Court Judge Mark Arnold has expressed his intention to swiftly select a jury, imposing strict time limits on the questioning of potential jurors by attorneys. He emphasized the importance of treating all defendants equally, regardless of their status or wealth.
Opening statements are anticipated to take place on Wednesday, with Judge Arnold permitting media cameras to cover the entire trial once a jury is empaneled. In a previous ruling in 2023, another judge determined that A$AP Rocky should stand trial for allegedly firing a gun at Terell Ephron, a childhood friend who testified about their strained relationship and a confrontation that occurred on November 6, 2021. Ephron testified that bullets grazed his knuckles during the incident.
