How Rihanna’s Presence At A$AP Rocky’s Gun Trial Could Influence Jury

A$AP Rocky had a message for the press as he arrived to court for his felony assault trial on Jan. 28. “Ladies and gentlemen of the press, listen, listen, I do not wish to quarrel. I don’t want no smoke, just please don’t step on my toes, please. Alright,” he told reporters. A$AP, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, appeared solo to court on Tuesday, but there are rumors his partner Rihanna may attend court on Jan. 29. Legal analyst and trial attorney Misty Marris, who does not represent Rocky or Terell, explains what impact Rihanna could have on the case. “If and when Rihanna shows up at the trial, the jurors are going to notice and it’s very clear both sides, prosecution and defense know that Rihanna’s presence could mean something to the jury. The reason being she was a major topic of voir dire at jury selection,” Misty told Access. “Some in fact being dismissed because they said if Rihanna was there it could actually sway their opinion,” she added. A$AP is charged with allegedly firing a gun at a former friend, Terell Ephron, in 2021. The rapper pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm during an incident in the streets in Hollywood, Calif. three years ago. If found guilty, he faces up to 24 years in prison.