American-Barbadian rapper and fashion mogul A$AP Rocky has rejected a final prosecution plea offer of 180 days in jail.
He opted to face trial where he risks a guilty verdict and a maximum sentence of 24 years in prison. Jury selection began Tuesday in the Los Angeles courtroom.
The 36-year-old rapper, whose legal name is Rakim Mayers, was offered a deal to plead guilty to one felony count of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. In exchange, Los Angeles County prosecutors would recommend a seven-year suspended sentence, three years of probation, and six months in jail.
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Rocky, however, declined the agreement, telling the judge he respectfully refused, AP reported.
The charges stem from a 2021 incident near a Hollywood hotel in which Rocky allegedly fired at Terell Ephron, a former friend, during a confrontation. Ephron testified during a preliminary hearing in 2023 that bullets grazed his knuckles. Rocky has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Rocky’s defense attorney, Joe Tacopina, revealed a new strategy in court Tuesday, stating the defense intends to argue that the firearm seen in security footage was a “starter pistol” used as a prop for security purposes. The claim had not been previously disclosed in pretrial hearings.
More than 100 potential jurors were summoned to the downtown Los Angeles courtroom, with opening statements expected once 12 jurors and alternates are selected. Superior Court Judge Mark Arnold has pledged to seat a jury swiftly and has imposed strict time limits on attorney questioning.
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“Mr. Mayers is an entertainer. His stage name is A$AP Rocky. His life partner is also an entertainer. Her name is Rihanna,” Judge Arnold told the jurors. “Because Mr. Mayers is an entertainer, a celebrity, that cannot harm him, and it cannot benefit him.”
Rocky and Rihanna, who share two young sons, have not confirmed whether she will attend the trial proceedings. She was absent from Tuesday’s session.
The trial comes at a pivotal time for the Grammy-nominated star, who is slated to co-chair the Met Gala in May and has a significant role in an upcoming Spike Lee film alongside Denzel Washington. A conviction could derail these high-profile projects and reshape his future.
Judge Arnold has authorized media cameras to cover the trial once the jury is selected.
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