ASAP Rocky has rejected a final plea deal that would have resulted in 180 days in jail, opting instead to face trial and the possibility of a guilty verdict that could lead to years behind bars. Jury selection for his case began on Tuesday.

The 36-year-old rapper, fashion icon, and actor, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, was offered a deal to plead guilty to one of two felony charges of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. Under the terms of the offer, Los Angeles County prosecutors would recommend a seven-year suspended sentence, three years of probation, and six months in jail. However, Rocky declined the deal in court as reported by Irish Independent News.

ACCUSE OF FIRING OF A GUN

He stands accused of firing a gun at a former friend outside a Hollywood hotel in 2021. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of 24 years in prison. Rocky has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

His attorney, Joe Tacopina, revealed in court that the defense plans to present witnesses who will testify that the firearm captured in security footage was merely a “starter pistol” used as a prop for security purposes. This defense strategy had not previously been disclosed during pretrial hearings.

More than 100 potential jurors filled the courtroom gallery on Tuesday. Once 12 jurors and alternates are selected, opening statements are expected to commence, likely by Wednesday or later.

FATHER OF RIHANNA’S SONS

The Grammy-nominated artist is in a long-term relationship with global superstar Rihanna, with whom he shares two young sons. While it remains uncertain if Rihanna will attend the trial in support of Rocky, Tacopina has indicated her presence is unlikely. She was not seen in court on Tuesday.

Rocky has been named one of the celebrity co-chairs for the upcoming Met Gala in May and has a significant role in an upcoming Spike Lee film alongside Denzel Washington. However, a conviction could significantly impact his career and personal life.

 

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Superior Court Judge Mark Arnold aims to expedite the jury selection process and has imposed strict limitations on the duration of juror questioning. Addressing the potential jurors, Judge Arnold explained, “Mr. Mayers is an entertainer known as ASAP Rocky. His life partner, Rihanna, is also an entertainer.”

ALSO CHECK OUT JUDGE DISCUSSING RIHANNA FOOTAGE

The judge has authorized media coverage of the entire trial following jury selection.

In 2023, a preliminary hearing determined that Rocky should face trial for allegedly firing a gun at his former friend, Terell Ephron. Ephron, who testified that their friendship had deteriorated, claimed the incident took place on the night of November 6, 2021, and that bullets grazed his knuckles.

There’s no female victim for the Internet to harass, so Rocky’s case hasn’t gotten all that much attention pre-trial.

But a preliminary hearing in November 2023 laid out the evidence, including videos of the alleged assaults.

More in my trial preview: https://t.co/dn8SK5ROUy pic.twitter.com/0ROTJ6M9nc

— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) January 21, 2025