Rihanna Attends A$AP Rocky’s Felony Assault Trial in LA

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Superstar singer Rihanna made her first appearance in court Wednesday to support her partner, rapper A$AP Rocky, as he faces two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. The trial, which began last week, centers on a 2021 incident involving Rocky and his former friend, A$AP Relli, who alleges he was shot at during a confrontation in Hollywood.

Rihanna, 36, sat quietly in the audience alongside Rocky’s mother as the defense cross-examined Relli, the prosecution’s star witness. Relli testified that he suffered a hand injury when Rocky fired a gun at him, though he did not seek medical attention until two days later in New York. Defense attorney Joe Tacopina challenged Relli’s account, questioning why he delayed treatment and suggesting his injuries were minor.

“You waited to fly all the way across the country before seeking medical attention?” Tacopina asked. Relli responded, “I had my hand wrapped that night,” but acknowledged he did not visit a hospital immediately. He added, “I didn’t trust LA. I didn’t trust nobody.”

The defense has argued that Relli’s claims are motivated by a separate civil lawsuit in which he is seeking financial damages from Rocky. Tacopina also questioned the severity of Relli’s injuries, noting that his hospital visit lasted only one hour and 36 minutes. “That’s one hour and 36 minutes for a gunshot, yeah?” Tacopina said. Relli replied, “It was two days later.”

Prosecutors have emphasized that the charges do not hinge on whether Relli was injured, but rather on the alleged use of a firearm. If convicted, Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, could face up to 24 years in prison. The trial has drawn significant attention, with Rocky being a prominent figure in the music industry and Rihanna, a global icon, attending court proceedings.

During cross-examination, Tacopina revealed that the defense claims Rocky fired a starter pistol loaded with blanks, which he carried as a prop for security. Relli testified that he had never seen Rocky carry a gun, but Tacopina pressed him on the issue. “Well, one thing you know is for sure he doesn’t carry a prop gun,” Tacopina said. Relli responded, “Who carries a prop gun? Who’s going to come to a situation and carry a prop gun?”

The trial took a heated turn during a lunch break when Tacopina and Deputy District Attorney John Lewin engaged in a loud argument over a photo of Relli’s girlfriend shown during questioning. Lewin accused the defense of attempting to inflame the witness, while Tacopina called Relli a perjurer and accused prosecutors of abetting him. The judge, visibly frustrated, walked out of the courtroom.

Rocky and Rihanna, who have two sons together, have remained a high-profile couple since their relationship became public in 2020. The trial continues as the defense prepares to present its case, with Rocky’s future hanging in the balance.