The trial of A$AP Rocky is nearing its final stages, with closing arguments set to conclude today.
The defense, led by attorney Joe Tacopina, aims to convince jurors that the key witness, A$AP Relli, who has accused Rocky of shooting at him, lied during his testimony.
The Case Against A$AP Rocky
During the trial, A$AP Rocky has been charged with two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm after an alleged shooting in November 2021.
The incident occurred outside a Hollywood hotel, where Rocky and Relli, former friends who had a falling out, clashed. Rocky is accused of firing shots at Relli, who claims one of the bullets grazed his hand.
In his closing argument, Tacopina urged the jury to disregard Relli’s testimony, claiming that his account was filled with lies. He argued that if the jurors believe Relli’s testimony is false, there is no case against his client.
Prosecution’s Rebuttal
The prosecution, led by Deputy District Attorney Paul Przelomiec, has argued that the gun used in the shooting was real, stating that the evidence points overwhelmingly to this conclusion.
According to Przelomiec, the case hinges on the key question: Was the gun real or fake? He suggested that the gun Rocky fired on the street corner was indeed real and posed a serious threat.
Tacopina countered this argument by suggesting the gun was a prop used in Rocky’s music video for his song “DMB,” which featured his partner Rihanna. He claims it was a prop that only fired blanks, and Rocky took it for personal security.
What’s Next in the Trial
With the closing arguments wrapping up, jurors are set to deliberate on the case. Rihanna, who has attended the trial several times, was present during the closing arguments, keeping her children close while supporting her partner.
If convicted, Rocky could face a prison sentence of up to 24 years, adding significant tension to this already high-profile case.
