Attorney Joe Tacopina has revealed that client A$AP Rocky was able to identify his girlfriend, Rihanna, by her scent after she entered the courtroom for his gun assault trial without his knowledge.
During a sit-down with VladTV, the revered lawyer shared that the Harlem rapper was uncomfortable with his children’s mother being present during the trial, where he faced two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm.
“I commend him. He’s like, ‘Look, this is my family. This is not their problem. It’s not her problem. I’m gonna deal with it,’” Tacopina said at the 1:02:41 mark. “I’m like, ‘I know, Rock, but you know, families are there for each other. It’s cool.’”
“He goes, ‘Joe, she’s Rihanna, I’m protecting her from this,’” he continued. “’I’m not letting her be here. Let’s not even discuss it anymore.’”
US rapper Rakim Mayers (R), aka A$AP Rocky, and his attorney Joe Tacopina listen in court during his felony assault trial at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in downtown Los Angeles, California on January 29, 2025. (Photo by FRAZER HARRISON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Rihanna, however, ignored her partner’s wishes and showed up on the third day of his trial and “almost everyday” after, Tacopina confirmed. The Fenty Beauty founder told the attorney she would be present, with Tacopina informing the judge, but choosing to withhold that information from his client. He went on to describe one day where Riri entered the courtroom 10 minutes into proceedings in an attempt to “try and be discreet.” This, however, resulted in the “Fashion Killa” artist sniffing out his partner.
“We’re at the table, and Rocky doesn’t know she’s there, doesn’t know she’s coming,” he recalled. “But I did, and I just didn’t wanna bother him with that, we’re just focused.”
Rocky then began sniffing the air before telling Tacopina, “Joe, I smell my girl. It’s weird, man.”
“Yeah, Rocky, you smell your girl ‘cause she’s sitting right behind you,” Tacopina responded, as Rihanna had quietly taken a seat in the front row. “His eyes go all big. He goes, ‘What?’ She’s here, bro. You weren’t keeping her away.”
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 18: Rihanna and A$AP Rocky are seen outside of Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center on February 18, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by PG/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)
Rocky was ultimately found not guilty, with Rihanna taking to her Instagram Stories shortly after with a message of gratitude. “The Glory belongs to God and God alone. Thankful, humbled by his mercy!”
Check out the full interview with Tacopina below.
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