US Rapper Asap Rocky Declines to Testify in Ongoing Assault Trial
Los Angeles, California – Renowned US rapper Asap Rocky (36), facing an ongoing criminal trial for an alleged firearm assault, has opted against taking the stand as a witness in his own defense. The musician’s decision was announced in the Los Angeles courtroom, marking the conclusion of the defense’s presentation of evidence.
The multi-week trial, centered around allegations of assault with a deadly weapon, is expected to reach its conclusion this week with closing arguments from both sides, according to US media reports. Asap Rocky’s partner, singer Rihanna, has attended multiple days of the proceedings.
The Hollywood Incident and Contested Allegations
The charges against Asap Rocky stem from an incident that occurred in Hollywood in November 2021. The rapper, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, is accused of brandishing a gun and firing it at a former friend and fellow rapper known as Asap Relli during an altercation. The victim sustained minor injuries to their hand.
Asap Rocky’s defense team maintains that the rapper was only in possession of a prop gun that was incapable of firing live ammunition, as reported by the "Los Angeles Times." Two members of the hip-hop collective Asap Mob corroborated this claim while testifying in court.
Detention, Charges, and Potential Sentencing
In April 2022, Asap Rocky was taken into custody in Los Angeles and subsequently charged months later. The musician has consistently denied allegations of assault with a firearm. If convicted, he faces the prospect of a substantial prison sentence.
Prior Assault Conviction and Stockholm Incident
The current trial follows Asap Rocky’s 2019 conviction for assault in Sweden. After a violent incident in Stockholm, in which the musician and two associates were involved in a street fight, he was sentenced to bodily harm and served approximately four weeks in detention. He narrowly avoided a more severe prison term.
Closing Arguments and Anticipated Verdict
With the defense having rested its case, the trial is now poised for closing arguments from both the prosecution and defense attorney. The jury is expected to deliberate and reach a verdict in the coming days. The outcome of the trial will have significant implications for Asap Rocky’s future and the ongoing criminal proceedings against him.
