Judge Confused by A$AP Rocky and Rihanna’s Relationship Status During Shooting Trial
Los Angeles, CA – The ongoing trial of A$AP Rocky, the renowned rapper, has taken a peculiar turn in the courtroom, with Judge Mark S. Arnold finding himself confused about the relationship status between the rapper and his partner, Rihanna. This unusual moment occurred during the pre-trial hearing on Wednesday, January 16, as the judge sought clarification from Rocky’s lawyer, Joe Tacopina, regarding how to address Rihanna when speaking to potential jurors.
Judge Seeks Clarification on Relationship Status
In a surprising exchange, Judge Arnold asked Tacopina how Rihanna should be referred to during the trial, prompting a response that caught everyone off guard. Tacopina stated, “She is his common-law wife, Your Honor. Or just ‘wife’.” This prompted a quick objection from the prosecution, with a state attorney arguing that if they were not legally married, she should not be called his wife, instead referring to her as his “significant other” or “the mother of his children.”
The judge pressed further, asking, “Have they been legally married anywhere?” to which Tacopina responded candidly, “I don’t know, but she is certainly his common-law wife.” After deliberation, Judge Arnold ultimately ruled that Rihanna could only be called Rocky’s wife if they were legally married. If not, she should simply be referred to as his “significant other,” which clearly left the courtroom wondering about the couple’s status.
A$AP Rocky Rejects Plea Deal
In addition to the confusion over relationship titles, the trial has revealed that prosecutors had extended a plea deal to A$AP Rocky, offering him a lighter sentence in exchange for a guilty plea, thereby sparing him from a full trial. However, Rocky’s legal team, led by Tacopina, swiftly rejected the offer. Tacopina shared with Judge Arnold, “We have no interest in settling. My client has made it clear that he doesn’t want to accept anything, but of course, I will listen to any offer and pass it along to him as required.”
After the hearing, Tacopina spoke to the media, expressing that A$AP Rocky felt confident he would be acquitted. “He’s eager to tell his side of the story, and he would love the opportunity to do so,” Tacopina said. “He’s a good man, and that will be evident if he testifies, but that decision hasn’t been made yet. It depends on how the case unfolds.”
Rihanna’s Presence in Court?
When asked if Rihanna would attend the highly publicized trial, Tacopina was cautious with his response. “I don’t know. That’s a family decision. He is very protective of Rihanna and doesn’t want her involved in this. But it’s up to them to decide,” he said, alluding to the couple’s desire for privacy amidst the turmoil.
The trial centers on a shooting incident in 2021, where A$AP Rocky is accused of shooting A$AP Relli, a former member of the A$AP Mob. According to Relli, the dispute began when Rocky allegedly failed to follow through on a promise to help the family of a deceased A$AP Mob member. Tensions escalated during a meeting at a Los Angeles hotel in November 2021, where Relli claims that Rocky and a group of men confronted him, pulled a gun, and threatened, “I’m going to kill you right now.”
Testimony and Evidence
Relli testified that Rocky then shot him four times, including once in the hand, before fleeing the scene. Surveillance footage from several nearby parking lots appears to show a gun in Rocky’s possession during the altercation, adding further weight to Relli’s testimony.
As the trial prepares to begin jury selection on January 21, all eyes are on the courtroom for what could be a dramatic 15-day trial. A$AP Rocky faces up to 24 years in prison if convicted of the charges. The public and fans alike are left to wonder: Will Rihanna make a surprise appearance, and what will unfold as the trial reveals more details of the shooting incident?
