A$AP Rocky Refuses Plea Deal in A$AP Relli Shooting Case: “I Decline”
In a dramatic twist, A$AP Rocky has rejected the plea deal offered in the A$AP Relli shooting case, which will now proceed to trial after jury selection began on January 21, 2025, in Los Angeles court.
A Bold Rejection
The 38-year-old rapper was presented with a potential sentence that included three years of probation, seven years of suspended prison time, and 180 days in county jail if he pled guilty to charges under Section 1. However, in front of Judge Mark S. Arnold, Rocky firmly refused the deal. “I decline, thank you, your honor,” he said with confidence, according to Rolling Stone reporter Nancy Dillon, who was on the scene.
Rocky’s lawyer, Joe Tacopina, revealed that the defense team is preparing a strong case. Tacopina stated that they have two witnesses ready to testify that the gun seen in security footage was a prop weapon that Rocky carried for “security reasons” during the incident. This could be a crucial part of the defense as the rapper aims to clear his name.
The Legal Strategy
The refusal of the plea deal was not unexpected. Earlier, Tacopina had mentioned in a pretrial hearing on January 16 that the defense was not interested in settling the case. “My client has expressed that he does not want to accept anything. But, of course, I will listen to any offers, and I have a duty to present them to him, which I will do,” Tacopina explained.
A Personal Twist: Rihanna’s Role
During a pretrial discussion, an interesting and somewhat confusing moment unfolded when Judge Mark S. Arnold inquired about the marital status of A$AP Rocky and Rihanna. The questioning led to a tense exchange between the defense and prosecution teams. The defense’s attorney referred to Rihanna as Rocky’s “common law wife,” but the prosecutor quickly objected, asserting that if they were not legally married, Rihanna should only be referred to as Rocky’s “significant other” or “mother of his children.”
The judge pressed further, asking if they had legally married anywhere, to which Rocky’s lawyer admitted, “I don’t know, but she is certainly his common law wife.” The confusion about their relationship status led Judge Arnold to rule that Rihanna could only be called Rocky’s wife if they were legally married. If not, she should be referred to as his “significant other.” This moment sparked plenty of speculation among the public, especially given the couple’s private nature.
Confidence and Clarity
Despite the legal complexities, Tacopina expressed that A$AP Rocky remains confident about his upcoming trial. “He’s confident he will be acquitted and is eager to testify if necessary,” Tacopina told Rolling Stone. The rapper is reportedly anxious to share his side of the story and prove his innocence. “He is a good person, and that will be demonstrated if he testifies,” Tacopina continued. However, the decision on whether Rocky will testify remains undecided and will depend on how the case unfolds in court.
Rihanna’s Involvement in the Trial
There’s also a growing curiosity about whether Rihanna will make an appearance in the publicized trial. When asked by journalist Meghann Cuniff outside the courthouse, Tacopina stated, “I don’t know. That’s a family decision. He’s very protective of Rihanna and doesn’t want her anywhere near this case. But it’s up to the family to decide.”
The trial is expected to last around 15 days, and if convicted, A$AP Rocky could face up to 24 years in prison. The stakes are high, and fans and media alike will be watching closely to see how the trial unfolds.
With so much on the line for the rapper and his family, all eyes are on A$AP Rocky as he prepares to fight the charges in court. Will he walk away victorious, or will this case leave a lasting impact on his career and personal life? The trial has just begun, and the world is waiting for the next move.
