A$AP Rocky Refuses Plea Deal As Hollywood Assault Case Begins

A$AP Rocky has declined a plea deal in his Hollywood assault case. Rolling Stone reports that the rapper’s trial, stemming from an alleged 2021 shooting incident involving himself and A$AP Relli, kicked off on Tuesday (Jan. 21).

Prosecutors offered the Harlemite a chance at a swift trial with a three-year probation and a seven-year suspended prison sentence, meaning that Rocky would have only served 180 days in jail. But since the “Pesos” rappers declined the plea deal and pleaded not guilty to one count of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, Rocky could be looking at up to 24 years in prison if convicted. “I respectfully decline, thank you,” Rocky reportedly told the court, seemingly confident in his innocence.

The rapper, né Rakim Athelaston Mayers, and his lawyer, Joe Tacopina, explained that the firearm wasn’t a real weapon but a “starter pistol.” Prosecutors had complained to the court that they had only learned of the “fake gun” angle on the eve of the trial. The outlet detailed that Rocky was allegedly wielding a 9mm handgun in the video displayed at 2023’s probable cause hearing, with no mention of a prop weapon.

At this time, it’s unclear who Tacopina will call to the stand. However, the attorney previously stated that his client is “eager” to speak on his behalf about his assault case.

“Well Nancy, I know you know that I have not and would never make a decision like that before trial, right, because it’s malpractice,” Tacopina said. “That being said, [A$AP Rocky’s] eager to tell his story and would love the opportunity to do so.”

“He’s very articulate and intelligent, he’s a good human being and that will come out if he testifies,” he said. “But that’s decision isn’t going to be made yet. And it depends on how the case goes.”

A$AP Rocky’s trial is still in the jury selection process.