Nearly 100 potential jurors are set to return to a Los Angeles courtroom on Wednesday as the high-profile trial of rapper, fashion icon, and actor A$AP Rocky begins.
The case, expected to last three weeks, centers on allegations that the artist fired a gun at a former friend, Terell Ephron, during a heated altercation in 2021. On Tuesday, defense attorneys began questioning jurors about their potential biases, probing attitudes toward hip-hop culture, firearms, and even individuals from New York.
“When I get up here with this ridiculous accent, which I try not to have but I do, is anyone going to have a problem?” asked Rocky’s attorney, Joe Tacopina, eliciting no objections from the courtroom. Attempting to lighten the mood, Tacopina added, “I love LA.”
Of the initial jury pool, nearly half indicated familiarity with A$AP Rocky, while almost all acknowledged they knew of Rihanna, his long-time partner and the mother of his two children. Despite their recognition of the couple’s celebrity status, prospective jurors unanimously pledged not to let it sway their judgment.
The star-studded context of the trial has brought additional scrutiny, as Rocky has refused a plea deal that would have included 180 days in jail, a seven-year suspended sentence, and three years of probation in exchange for admitting guilt to one of two felony charges of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. With the jury selection process underway, opening statements could begin as early as Wednesday afternoon.
A pool of 106 jurors was initially summoned, though some were excused due to personal hardships or strong views that could compromise their impartiality. Notably, one man was dismissed after admitting he was too anti-gun to remain unbiased.
Once a jury of 12, along with alternates, is seated, the trial will proceed. At the end of Tuesday’s session, Rocky’s legal team raised concerns about the jury pool’s racial composition, arguing that the lack of Black representation violated his Sixth Amendment right to a fair trial.
Attorney Chad Seigel pointed out that while 9% of the local population is African-American, less than 5% of the potential jurors appeared to be Black. Superior Court Judge Mark Arnold, however, rejected the motion, stating, “There’s no authority that requires any particular percentage of any ethnicity on a jury.”
The allegations against A$AP Rocky date back to November 6, 2021, when Ephron, a childhood friend, claimed their relationship had deteriorated, culminating in the alleged incident. Ephron testified that he was grazed by bullets on his knuckles during the confrontation.
The trial’s stakes are high for Rocky, who has recently been named as a celebrity chair for the upcoming Met Gala in May and has a significant role in a Spike Lee-directed film alongside Denzel Washington. A conviction could drastically alter the trajectory of his career and personal life, overshadowing his recent achievements and upcoming projects.
In a surprising courtroom revelation, Tacopina shared the defense’s strategy for addressing key evidence. He announced plans to call witnesses who will testify that the firearm seen in security footage was not a deadly weapon but a starter pistol, carried by Rocky as a prop for his personal security.
This claim directly challenges the prosecution’s narrative and adds an intriguing dimension to the case. Rocky’s defense team appears intent on undermining the credibility of the allegations by reframing the nature of the evidence presented.
The trial’s unfolding has captured widespread public interest, with the rapper’s fans and legal experts alike closely monitoring the proceedings. As the jury selection wraps up and arguments begin, the case promises to be a test of the justice system’s handling of high-profile figures.
While Rocky’s defense seeks to prove his innocence and preserve his reputation, the trial also serves as a broader reflection on celebrity culture, public perception, and the complexities of fair representation in the legal system.
