A$AP Rocky’s Trial: Rihanna’s Presence, Lawyer Feuds, and Quirky Moments Dominate Courtroom Drama

Singer Rihanna leaves Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in Los Angeles on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Liam McEwan)
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LOS ANGELES — The trial of rapper A$AP Rocky, born Rakim Mayers, has been anything but ordinary, blending high-stakes legal proceedings with moments of celebrity intrigue, heated attorney clashes, and unexpected courtroom humour.

The hip-hop star faces two counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm, charges that could result in up to 24 years in prison if convicted.

As testimony enters its third week, the trial has already delivered a series of memorable moments, from surprise appearances by Rihanna to near-physical altercations between lawyers and quirky exchanges involving the judge and witnesses.

Rihanna’s Low-Key Presence

One of the most anticipated questions surrounding the trial was whether Rihanna, Rocky’s partner and the mother of his children, would attend. Her presence became a topic of speculation during jury selection, with potential jurors questioned about whether her attendance would influence their judgment.

When the global music icon finally appeared, she did so discreetly. On her first day in court, Rihanna slipped into the courtroom through restricted entrances, sitting inconspicuously between Rocky’s mother and sister. Many reporters initially missed her arrival, and her presence only became apparent once the audience realized she was there.

Rihanna returned on subsequent days, eventually entering through public entrances and even walking into the courtroom alongside Rocky, creating a buzz in the hallway filled with jurors and spectators. Her attendance, while understated, added a layer of star power to the proceedings.

Lawyers at Odds

The trial has also been marked by fiery confrontations between the legal teams. Deputy District Attorney John Lewin, known for his high-profile prosecution of real estate heir Robert Durst, and Rocky’s defense attorney, Joe Tacopina, a prominent New York lawyer who has represented figures like former President Donald Trump, have clashed repeatedly.

Their disputes escalated to the point where they nearly came to blows. In one off-camera incident, the two attorneys had to be separated by a fellow lawyer after a heated argument turned physical. “Mr. Tacopina started literally screaming at me in the courtroom. He basically appeared to challenge me to a fight,” Lewin later told Judge Mark Arnold.

Tacopina denied the allegations, accusing Lewin of having a “bullying attitude.” The judge, a former sheriff’s deputy with a no-nonsense demeanor, eventually forbade the two from speaking to each other unless on the record, quipping, “Maybe we should get an octagon.”

The tension between the lawyers continued, with another heated exchange erupting over evidence. Lewin dismissed the defense’s claim that Rocky was carrying a prop gun as “garbage,” prompting Tacopina to shout, “We’ll see what the jury says at the end!” The argument devolved into personal insults, leading Judge Arnold to walk out in frustration, declaring, “That’s it, we’re off the record.”

Quirky Moments in Court

Amid the tension, the trial has also seen lighter, more peculiar moments. A$AP Relli, Rocky’s accuser and former friend, provided testimony that was both serious and occasionally humorous. At one point, Relli estimated a distance as “about three or four skips,” leaving the judge and attorneys puzzled. After some clarification, it was determined that a “skip” equated to roughly 7 to 8 feet.

Relli also complimented Judge Arnold on his silver wristband, saying, “I like your bracelet,” to which the judge responded with a surprised, “Oh, thank you.” Arnold, known for his rugged appearance and long hair, has brought his own unique flair to the proceedings, including a wooden log nameplate on his bench.

Family in the Spotlight

Rocky’s family has also drawn attention. His mother, Renee Black, and sister, Erika Mayers, have been regular attendees, sitting alongside Rihanna. Judge Arnold even remarked on Black’s youthful appearance, joking, “What were you, 7 when you had him?” before complimenting her beauty, which he noted was “on the record.”

During a break, Lewin approached Rocky’s mother and sister, expressing sympathy for their situation and urging Rocky to consider the risks of his trial. Tacopina later brought this interaction to the judge’s attention, but Lewin defended his actions, stating he had approached the family “very kindly.”

A Phantom Photographer

The trial also had its share of bizarre moments, including an incident during jury selection when a woman suddenly shouted, “There’s a woman taking a picture in that corner!” Judge Arnold and his clerk rushed to investigate but found no one. Despite the false alarm, the judge commended the woman for her vigilance, saying, “You did the right thing! You done good!”

What’s Next?

As the trial continues, the jury will soon deliberate on Rocky’s fate. With testimony expected to conclude in the coming days, the case has already provided a mix of drama, tension, and unexpected moments, reflecting the high stakes and intense scrutiny surrounding the proceedings.

Whether Rocky’s legal team can secure an acquittal or the prosecution will secure a conviction remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: this trial has already cemented its place as one of the most memorable in recent Hollywood history.


Reporting by The Associated Press.