A$AP Rocky Trial for Assault Charges Begins

A$AP Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, is set to face jury selection on January 21 for charges related to an alleged armed assault on his former friend A$AP Relli, stemming from a 2021 incident. Rocky has pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm and could face up to 24 years in prison if convicted. His attorney, Joseph Tacopina, has characterized the prosecution's case as 'fundamentally weak' and has expressed confidence in an acquittal, emphasizing the lack of physical evidence linking Rocky to the shooting. Tacopina noted that Rocky is eager to share his side of the story, highlighting his intelligence and character. The prosecution plans to offer a final plea deal, but Tacopina indicated that Rocky is unlikely to accept it. The trial has been postponed multiple times, with this latest date finally approaching after significant delays.