Opening statements are set to begin at the trial of hip-hop star A$AP Rocky, who is accused of firing a gun at his former friend, referred to as Relli, born Terell Ephron. The trial comes after Rocky turned down a plea deal offer of six months in jail and opted for a trial, facing two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm.
The defense plans to portray Ephron as a money seeker, highlighting his civil lawsuit against Rocky seeking financial damages. Rocky's lead attorney emphasized the significance of Ephron's testimony in the case, suggesting jealousy and financial motives as underlying factors.
Rocky and Relli were once part of a close-knit group in New York but had a falling out, culminating in the alleged shooting incident on Nov. 6, 2021. The defense intends to present witnesses to support their claim that the firearm in question was a starter pistol used as a prop for security, explaining the absence of shell casings at the scene.
Despite the high-profile nature of the trial, Rocky's partner Rihanna is unlikely to appear in court, with the focus remaining on the legal proceedings. The trial's outcome could have significant implications for Rocky's career and personal life, potentially leading to a lengthy prison sentence if convicted.
Prosecutors will rely on police testimonies and surveillance footage capturing parts of the incident to build their case. A detective testified that investigators identified Rocky in the footage, although the defense maintains their stance on the nature of the firearm involved.
While Rocky may choose to testify, no final decision has been made regarding his appearance on the stand. The trial is expected to shed light on the complex dynamics between the parties involved and the potential consequences of the legal proceedings for the prominent hip-hop artist.
