Flacko stands firm while jury selection begins
A$AP Rocky has turned down a plea deal in the 2021 shooting case involving A$AP Relli, opting to proceed with a trial once jury selection is completed. According to Rolling Stone reporter Nancy Dillon, the rapper was offered three years probation, a seven-year suspended prison sentence, and 180 days in county jail if he pled guilty to Count 1. However, Rocky made it clear in court that he would not accept the deal, stating, “I respectfully decline, thank you.”
Rocky’s lawyer, Joe Tacopina, revealed that they have two witnesses ready to testify that the gun seen in security footage was a prop gun that Rocky carried for security purposes. The rapper’s decision to reject the plea deal was expected, as his lawyer had previously communicated that they were not interested in settling the case.
In a bizarre moment during the hearing, Judge Mark S. Arnold asked about Rocky’s relationship with Rihanna. Rocky’s attorney referred to her as his “common-law wife,” which led to some confusion and objections from prosecutors. The judge ruled that Rihanna can only be referred to as Rocky’s “wife” if they are legally married, which is not confirmed to be the case.
Rocky remains confident in his defense and is prepared to testify if needed.