LOS ANGELES (AP) – A$AP Rocky risked a guilty verdict and the possibility of years in prison, accepting a final prosecutor’s plea deal of 180 days in prison as jury selection began in his trial Tuesday. I refused.
The 36-year-old hip-hop star, fashion mogul and actor was offered an agreement in which he would plead guilty to one of two felony counts of assault with a semi-automatic weapon. The Los Angeles County Prosecutor’s Office is also expected to recommend a seven-year suspended sentence, three years suspended, and six months in prison.
But Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, told the judge that he respectfully declined.
He is accused of shooting a former friend near a Hollywood hotel in 2021 and could face up to 24 years in prison if convicted. He pleaded not guilty.
Rocky’s attorney, Joe Tacopina, also said for the first time in court Tuesday that the defense plans to call witnesses to testify that the firearm seen on security video was a starter pistol that Rocky was carrying as a security prop. revealed something.
A panel of more than 100 potential jurors was called to a courtroom in downtown Los Angeles and packed into the auditorium. Opening statements will be made once the 12 members and alternates are seated. That won’t happen until at least Wednesday, when selection resumes. Cameras are allowed in court from the beginning of the court session.
The Grammy-nominated hip-hop star’s longtime partner is Rihanna, and the couple have two young children together. Tacopina suggested the pop star was unlikely to appear in court.
Rocky has been named one of the celebrity chairs at May’s Met Gala, and will play a key role in the Spike Lee film starring Denzel Washington, which will be released shortly thereafter. But his life could be forever changed by the conviction.
Superior Court Judge Mark Arnold said he wanted to quickly select a jury and had strict limits on the amount of time lawyers could question prospective jurors.
“Mr. Meyers is an entertainer,” Arnold told the jury. “His stage name is A$AP Rocky. His life partner is also an entertainer. Her name is Rihanna. Because Mr. Meyers is an entertainer Because he is a celebrity and it can neither harm him nor benefit him.”
Of the 12 jurors initially questioned, 4 said they knew who Rocky was, and 10 said they knew who Rihanna was.
In 2023, another judge ruled after a preliminary hearing that Rocky should stand trial for firing a gun at childhood friend Terrell Efron. Terrell Efron testified that their relationship soured and the feud reached its climax on the night of November 6th. , 2021. Efron testified that a bullet grazed his fist.
Initial questioning Tuesday included a panel of potential jurors, including a woman who fosters a number of animals displaced by recent Los Angeles-area wildfires and at least one man who was forced to evacuate. It has become clear that it is having an impact on many people’s lives. The judge himself revealed that he had to evacuate his home for 11 days.
“Luckily the house didn’t burn down,” Arnold said.
One man was excused early in the process because his anti-gun sentiments were too strong to be fair.
Tacopina said when trying to gauge potential jurors’ feelings about hip-hop artists and their music, some had negative, though not overwhelming, feelings. Some cited childcare as a reason.
“I used to love it, but now I have kids,” said one panelist.
Deputy District Attorney John Lewin, who conducted the prosecution’s cross-examination, told those who harbored negative feelings, “You’re not going to be asked to pass a verdict on how you feel about rap music. Do you understand that? ?” and everyone answered, “Yes.”
Tacopina, who like his client Rocky is from New York and has previously represented President Donald Trump, asked if any of the jurors had been treated unfairly by New Yorkers, drawing laughter from the audience. invited.
“When I come in here with this ridiculous accent, I try not to let it come out, but it comes out. Will anyone have a problem?” he said. ”
No one acknowledged any negative feelings.
“I love L.A.,” the lawyer added.
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