Rihanna Supports A$AP Rocky in Court as He Faces Felony Assault Charges

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Rihanna made her first public appearance in support of her partner, rapper A$AP Rocky, as his trial for felony assault charges began Wednesday at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in Los Angeles. Rocky, whose legal name is Rakim Mayers, faces two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm for allegedly firing a gun at his former friend A$AP Relli during a 2021 altercation.

Rihanna, 36, sat in the courtroom gallery between Rocky’s mother, Renee Black, and his sister, Erika B. Mayers. The singer, dressed in all black, remained composed as the trial unfolded. This marked her first public show of support since the legal proceedings began.

Rocky, 36, turned down a plea deal on Jan. 21 that would have required him to serve 180 days in jail and a seven-year suspended sentence with three years of probation. Instead, he opted for a jury trial, risking up to 24 years in prison if convicted. The charges stem from an incident in November 2021, when Rocky allegedly fired a gun at Relli, whose legal name is Terell Ephron, during a confrontation in Hollywood.

During opening statements, Rocky’s defense attorney, Joe Tacopina, argued that the rapper was carrying a “prop gun” to scare off potential threats and is licensed to carry a firearm in California. Tacopina accused Relli of fabricating the story for financial gain, stating, “For Relli, it was never about justice… it’s about a man seeking a profit from a fabricated narrative.”

Deputy District Attorney Paul B. Przelomiec countered in his opening statement, emphasizing the simplicity of the case. “This is not a complicated case,” Przelomiec said. “The defense will turn in an alternative explanation to what happened that night… we ask that you do not leave your common sense at the door.”

Relli filed a civil lawsuit against Rocky in August 2022, alleging assault, battery, and emotional distress. Rocky has denied all claims. The rapper was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport on April 20, 2022, while returning from a vacation in Barbados with Rihanna. He was released the same day after posting a $550,000 bond.

Rocky and Rihanna, who have been in a relationship since 2020, share two sons: RZA Athelston Mayers, 2, and Riot Rose Mayers, 17 months. The couple was last seen together at a date night in Miami in December 2024.

In August 2024, Rocky spoke about his relationship with Rihanna, praising her understanding of his hectic schedule. “I don’t think there’s a more perfect person because when the schedules are hectic, she’s very understanding of that,” he said.

The trial continues as both sides present their cases, with Rihanna expected to remain a supportive presence in the courtroom.