LOS ANGELES – A$AP Rocky’s legal team is pushing back hard as his Los Angeles trial unfolds, introducing a new counter-narrative that could shift the case in the rapper’s favor.
The hip-hop star and fashion icon is facing two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, stemming from an alleged 2021 Hollywood shooting involving former friend and fellow A$AP Mob member, A$AP Relli. If convicted on both counts, Rocky could face up to 24 years in prison.
Defense Introduces Key Witness: A$AP Twelvyy
Rocky’s defense team plans to call A$AP Twelvyy to the stand, another A$AP Mob member who was present at the time of the incident.
Twelvyy is expected to testify that Rocky only fired a starter pistol—a gun that shoots blanks and is often used for security purposes. The defense argues that this explains why Relli only suffered minor injuries, specifically grazed knuckles, rather than more severe gunshot wounds.
For nearly three days, Relli’s testimony has been the cornerstone of the prosecution’s case, but Rocky’s lawyers are now working to undermine his credibility.
Rihanna Makes a Courtroom Appearance
Rocky’s longtime partner, global superstar Rihanna, made a discreet courtroom entrance on Thursday afternoon after being absent for several days. Wearing a tan trench coat, glasses, and an updo, the singer sat in Rocky’s section, showing quiet support on the rainy Los Angeles day.
Will A$AP Rocky Testify?
It remains unclear whether Rocky will take the stand himself, a move that carries significant legal risk. His defense team has yet to confirm whether they will call him as a witness.
However, Rocky has already taken one major gamble—rejecting a plea deal that would have given him just 180 days in jail in exchange for a guilty plea to one charge. Instead, he is fighting the case in court.
From No. 1 Albums to Courtroom Fashion Icon
A$AP Rocky, born and raised in Harlem, shot to mainstream fame when his 2013 debut album hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
Yet, his influence in the fashion world has become just as notable as his music. Set to co-host the 2025 Met Gala, Rocky’s courtroom appearances have drawn major fashion buzz.
His designer outfits, including a high-end Yves Saint Laurent ensemble, have been analyzed in news stories and social media discussions. A YSL publicist even issued a press release detailing one of his courtroom looks—a wool chine jacket, silk crepe de chine shirt, and high-waisted wool pants—as if he were walking a red carpet.
“Not a True Gangster” – Relli’s Wiretapped Comments
In court, recordings have been played of Relli allegedly dismissing Rocky as “not a true gangster” and referring to the case as “The Case of Dior”—a nod to Rocky’s luxury brand affiliations.
Additionally, the defense introduced testimony from an internet branding consultant who worked with both Rocky and Relli. The consultant recorded phone calls in which Relli allegedly admitted that his real goal was to get millions from Rocky, and that the criminal case itself wasn’t a priority.
Relli, however, maintains that the recordings were fake—though prosecutors argue that his statements in the calls align with his testimony.
Related: Son of Michael Jordan Arrested
What’s Next?
With the defense now presenting its case, the trial’s outcome remains uncertain. Will the jury buy into the starter pistol argument, or will the prosecution’s case hold firm?
And the biggest question: Will A$AP Rocky himself take the stand?
