LOS ANGELES (AP) — Jury selection is underway in Los Angeles for the trial of rapper A$AP Rocky, who faces felony charges for allegedly firing a gun at a former friend during a 2021 altercation.
The 36-year-old artist, whose legal name is Rakim Mayers, rejected a plea deal that included jail time and probation, opting instead for a three-week trial. Rocky is charged with two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm.
During jury selection, defense attorney Joe Tacopina questioned potential jurors about biases against hip-hop culture, guns, and individuals from New York. Despite over 100 potential jurors being summoned, Rocky’s team raised concerns about the lack of diversity in the jury pool, arguing it underrepresented African-Americans. Superior Court Judge Mark Arnold dismissed the motion, citing no legal requirement for specific ethnic representation on a jury.
Prosecutors allege that Rocky fired at Terell Ephron, a childhood friend, during a November 2021 dispute, grazing his knuckles with a bullet. Ephron is expected to testify about the deteriorating relationship that led to the incident.
Rocky’s defense counters that the firearm in question was a starter pistol used as a prop for security purposes. Witnesses supporting this claim will be called during the trial.
The case comes as A$AP Rocky, a prominent rapper and actor, continues to make headlines. He has been named a celebrity chair for the upcoming Met Gala and stars in a Spike Lee film set for release later this year. A conviction, however, could profoundly impact his career and personal life.
Opening statements are expected to begin as soon as Wednesday afternoon.
