ASAP Rocky’s assault trial reportedly began on Friday, January 24, following a jury selection process. The rapper faces accusations of shooting at A$AP Relli in 2021, though the video evidence in the case is not clear enough to determine exactly what occurred. Additionally, Rocky rejected a plea deal that included 180 days in jail, a guilty plea to assault with a semiautomatic weapon, a seven-year suspended sentence, 500 hours of community service, and three years of probation. By opting for trial, he now faces up to 24 years in prison.
This decision has sparked controversy, particularly with reports that prosecutors allegedly told Rocky’s family he should have accepted the plea deal. However, a source close to him reported that the rapper’s team rejected the deal because it would have ruined his career.
The source explained that accepting the plea would have resulted in the loss of his endorsement contracts, including with Gucci and Puma, as well as his ability to tour, effectively ending his career. “They would have him under their thumb for over 8 years,” the source said.
The trial has also drawn criticism for the jury selection process, with concerns over the lack of racial diversity and one juror’s expertise with firearms, which could be problematic for both sides.
With these challenges, both ASAP Rocky and the prosecutors face significant obstacles in the case, and the outcome remains uncertain.
