Nearly 100 potential jurors returned to a Los Angeles courtroom Wednesday as jury selection continued for the trial of rapper A$AP Rocky, who is charged with firing a gun at a former friend. The trial is expected to last three weeks.
Defense attorneys for Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, questioned jurors Tuesday about potential biases, including negative feelings toward hip-hop, firearms, or individuals from New York. Prosecutors are set to lead the questioning Wednesday.
“When I get up here with this ridiculous accent, which I try not to have but I do, is anyone going to have a problem?” defense attorney Joe Tacopina, also a New Yorker, asked the jury pool. None of the jurors raised objections.
“I love LA,” Tacopina added.
Nearly half of the initial group of jurors said they had heard of A$AP Rocky before entering the courtroom. Most acknowledged familiarity with Rihanna, Rocky’s longtime partner and the mother of his two young sons. All agreed their knowledge of the celebrity couple would not influence their judgment.
Jury selection began after the 36-year-old artist declined a plea deal offering 180 days in jail, a seven-year suspended sentence, and three years of probation in exchange for pleading guilty to one count of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. Rocky faces two felony charges stemming from the alleged November 2021 incident.
According to prosecutors, Rocky is accused of firing a weapon at Terell Ephron, a former childhood friend, during a confrontation in Hollywood. Ephron testified that the incident left him with injuries from a bullet grazing his knuckles. Rocky has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
A pool of 106 jurors was initially brought in, and several were dismissed for hardships. One juror was excused after stating they held anti-gun views that would prevent impartiality. Once 12 jurors and alternates are selected, opening statements could begin as early as Wednesday afternoon.
At Tuesday’s proceedings, Rocky’s defense team raised concerns about the demographic composition of the jury pool, arguing that it failed to represent the 9% African-American population of the area. Defense attorney Chad Seigel argued that less than 5% of the jury pool appeared to be Black, claiming this violated Rocky’s Sixth Amendment rights. Superior Court Judge Mark Arnold rejected the motion, stating there was no legal requirement for specific demographic representation in jury pools.
Rocky’s attorneys also revealed plans to present witnesses who will testify that the firearm seen in security footage was a starter pistol used as a prop.
The trial could disrupt Rocky’s high-profile career, which includes upcoming projects such as a starring role in a Spike Lee-directed film alongside Denzel Washington and his position as a co-chair of the 2024 Met Gala.
