A$AP Rocky Trial: Former Friend Testifies About Alleged Gun Incident
The trial of rapper A$AP Rocky took a dramatic turn when a former friend, A$AP Relli, testified in a Los Angeles courtroom. Relli alleged that Rocky fired a gun at him in 2021, a claim that has been central to the case. During his testimony, Relli stated that neither Rocky nor anyone else involved in the incident indicated that the firearm might have been fake until the trial began. This directly contradicts the defense’s argument that Rocky was carrying a starter pistol that only shot blanks. Relli’s testimony was both emotional and volatile, with moments of frustration boiling over as he clashed with Rocky’s lead defense attorney, Joseph Tacopina.
Tensions Rise as Key Witness Faces Cross-Examination
Relli’s time on the stand was marked by evasive and often angry responses, particularly during cross-examination. At one point, he exploded in frustration, shouting at Tacopina, “You’re annoying, bro!” and later accusing the attorney of trying to trick him, saying, “You think you’re slick! And I’m on to you! You’re not going to keep tripping me up!” The tension in the courtroom was palpable as Relli, who had been testifying for five days, expressed his frustration with the lengthy and grueling process. Despite warnings from the judge, Relli continued to make outspoken comments, further heightening the drama of the proceedings.
Prosecution Challenges Defense’s ‘Fake Gun’ Narrative
The prosecution sought to undermine the defense’s claim that Rocky was using a fake gun by presenting text messages sent by Relli to Rocky after the incident. In the messages, Relli accused Rocky of trying to kill him and criticized him for putting his daughter in harm’s way. Deputy District Attorney Paul Przelomiec asked Relli if Rocky or any of their mutual friends had ever responded to these messages to clarify that the gun was fake. Relli replied, “No,” emphasizing that no one had suggested the firearm was anything other than real. This testimony was significant, as it highlighted how long it took for the defense to raise the issue of a fake gun—more than three years after the incident and several days into the trial.
Rihanna’s Absence and Rocky’s Parallel Grammy Loss
While the trial unfolded, Rocky’s longtime partner, Rihanna, was notably absent from the courtroom on Monday. The superstar singer had been present for the first three days of the trial to show her support, but her absence on this particular day was not explained. Meanwhile, Rocky had another high-profile moment just miles away from the courtroom. The night before, he had been nominated for a Grammy Award but lost to Kendrick Lamar, one of the ceremony’s big winners. Despite these personal and professional developments, Rocky’s focus remained on the trial, where he faces two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. If convicted, he could face up to 24 years in prison.
Defense Suggests Relli Motivated by Financial Gain
The defense has argued that Relli’s allegations are motivated by financial gain, pointing to a civil lawsuit he has filed against Rocky. To support this claim, the defense called Wally Sajimi, a man who has worked with both Rocky and Relli, to testify about recordings he made of Relli in 2022. In one recording, a voice resembling Relli’s can be heard saying, “Once I walk away, when I get my cash, the case will get way weaker. It’s going to be hard for the DA to find me. Because I’m going to be on another island.” Sajimi testified that Relli had discussed settling the case for money and had even suggested he would stop cooperating with the criminal investigation once paid. The defense has used this evidence to imply that Relli fabricated or exaggerated the incident for personal financial benefit.
A Trial with Far-Reaching Implications
The trial of A$AP Rocky has drawn widespread attention due to the high-profile nature of the case and the serious charges involved. The emotional testimony of A$AP Relli, combined with the defense’s claims of a fake gun and financial motives, has created a complex and dramatic narrative. As the trial continues, the jury will have to weigh the credibility of both sides and determine whether Rocky is guilty of the felony charges. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for Rocky’s career, personal life, and freedom. For now, the courtroom remains a tense and unpredictable venue, with each day bringing new developments in this high-stakes legal battle.
