Singer Rihanna attended her partner, rapper A$AP Rocky’s gun assault trial with their two children on Thursday.
Why It Matters
A$AP Rocky, real name Rakim Mayers, is accused of shooting a gun at former friend and collaborator A$AP Relli, real name Terell Ephron, in 2021. Mayers has pleaded not guilty.
What To Know
Closing arguments began in the trial on Thursday. The defense has argued that Mayers was using a prop gun at the time of the incident.
“There’s only one important question in this case, one critical question that you have to answer. And that is: did Mr. Mayers, the man at the table, did he use a real gun or did he use a fake gun?” prosecutor Paul Przelomiec told jurors in his closing argument.
The prosecution argued that Mayers was using a real gun and decided to shoot Ephron after they got into an argument.
The defense will present its closing argument next.
Who Are A$AP Rocky’s Kids?
In 2022, Rihanna gave birth to her first son with A$AP Rocky, RZA Athelaston Mayers. She revealed she was pregnant with a second child during her Super Bowl halftime performance in 2023. Their second son, Riot Rose Mayers, was born in August 2023.
Are Rihanna And A$AP Rocky Married?
Mayers’ lawyer, Joe Tacopina, told Judge Mark S. Arnold that the couple was not married on the first day of jury selection.
“His life partner is also an entertainer. Her name is Rihanna,” Arnold told the jury pool.
The two met while filming a music video in 2012. Rakim confirmed the relationship in a 2021 interview with GQ.
Why Is A$AP Rocky In Court?
Rakim is charged with two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm.
What People Are Saying
Prosecutor Paul Przelomiec, in his closing argument: “That man decided, for whatever reason, that he was going to settle his dispute with Mr. Ephron that night with a gun, that he was going to do that in the middle of Hollywood and that he was going to fire his gun, not once, but twice.”
A$AP Rocky’s lawyer, Joe Tacopina, in his opening statement: “This case is about one man’s jealousy, lies and greed, and that man is not Rocky. That man is Terell Ephron.”
What Happens Next
After closing arguments, the jury will be sent to deliberate. Mayers is facing up to 24 years in prison if convicted on both charges.
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