Rihanna has attended court docket for the primary time in help of her accomplice A$AP Rocky – as his former buddy gave proof in regards to the second the star allegedly fired a gun in his course.
The famous person singer, who has two toddler sons with the rapper, sat subsequent to his mom and sister, out of view of the Los Angeles prison courtroom’s cameras on Wednesday.
Rocky, whose actual title is Rakim Mayers, is on trial accused of firing a handgun at his former buddy Terell Ephron, often known as A$AP Relli.
He has pleaded not responsible to 2 felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm.
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The couple, pictured final month, have two younger sons. Pic: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP
Earlier than the trial started final week, the star’s legal professionals stated there was a chance Rihanna might attend sooner or later to point out help, because the court docket weighed up any potential impression of her superstar on the case.
When jurors had been chosen, prosecutors requested whether or not Rihanna’s connection, particularly if she appeared within the courtroom, would have an effect on their selections.
Practically half of the preliminary group stated they’d heard of A$AP Rocky earlier than coming to court docket, whereas almost all stated they’d heard of Rihanna. All stated they felt it might not have an effect.
It was not clear whether or not the jury may see Rihanna or had been conscious of her presence as they watched the testimony. She entered with the assistance of safety earlier than reporters arrived in court docket, in keeping with US media reviews, and was not seen with Rocky exterior.
The star, identified for hits together with Umbrella, Diamonds and Work, was in court docket as Ephron, the trial’s key witness, started his proof.
Who’s the important thing witness and what has he testified?
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Terell Ephron, aka A$AP Relli, has given proof. Pic: Frazer Harrison/Pool through AP
Ephron and Rocky had been members of the A$AP crew of creators at a New York highschool, the court docket has beforehand heard.
They had been as soon as shut however their relationship broke down after Rocky grew to become well-known, Ephron stated.
Rocky allegedly fired the gun at him on a avenue in Hollywood in 2021.
Giving proof, Ephron stated he had been shouting angrily on the rapper, who was strolling away after an preliminary confrontation and a scuffle.
Rocky then pulled a gun from his waistband and held it within the air, Ephron testified.
“He turned around and then it was like BOOM!” he instructed the jury. “The whole thing was like a movie, he kind of like pointed down and he shot the first shot.”
He stated his hand felt “hot” and added: “I was hit. Or I was grazed. I didn’t have a hole or nothing.”
Ephron stated he grabbed a mutual buddy after he alleged the primary shot was fired and stood behind him for defense. He stated he didn’t see Rocky hearth a second shot, and that the rapper ran away moments later.
What have Rocky’s legal professionals argued?
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The rapper’s legal professionals say he didn’t carry an actual gun. Pic: Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Occasions through AP
Rocky’s lawyer beforehand instructed the court docket the gun was not actual – that the rapper fired pictures from a starter pistol he carried as a prop.
Ephron knew this, he stated. Nevertheless, when questioned about it in court docket, Ephron stated: “Oh it was a real gun”.
The court docket heard he has obtained loss of life threats because the incident and that his profession in music administration has dwindled.
“It’s been a living hell,” Ephron stated.
From court docket to Grammys
Rocky was raised in Harlem and had his mainstream breakthrough when his first studio album topped the Billboard 200 in 2013. The second, launched in 2015, did the identical.
His profession was set to take off even additional in 2025 – beginning along with his third Grammy nomination at this 12 months’s awards ceremony, which takes place on Sunday.
The rapper can be set to headline the Rolling Loud Music Competition, will star reverse Denzel Washington in a criminal offense drama directed by Spike Lee, and can be the co-chair of the Met Gala style occasion in Could.
He faces as much as 24 years in jail if convicted.
The trial continues.
