A$AP Rocky has decided to exercise his Fifth Amendment right and not testify in his ongoing trial for the alleged shooting of Terell Ephron, also known as A$AP Relli.
Superior Judge Mark Arnold made sure to clarify Rocky’s, born Rakim Mayers, rights during a court session on Tuesday (Feb. 11), informing him that he had the option to take the stand and present his side of the case, but was under no obligation to do so.
“You understand you have a right to get on the stand and give your side of the case,” the judge stated, further emphasizing that under the U.S. Constitution, no one can be compelled to testify against themselves.
Rapper A$AP Rocky rubs his face during a preliminary hearing in his assault with a semi-automatic firearm case at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center on November 20, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
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When asked directly if he intended to take the stand, Rocky responded firmly, “I want my right to not testify.”
This decision comes despite statements earlier in the trial suggesting that Rocky was “eager to tell his story.” However, after weighing the options, it seems he chose the more cautious route of staying silent.
A$AP Rocky listens to opening remarks in his trial at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center on January 24, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. A$AP Rocky was charged with two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm along with allegations that he fired a gun during a confrontation with Terell Ephron.
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The move aligns with a common legal strategy, as taking the stand could expose the defendant to cross-examination, potentially opening the door for damaging testimony.
The 36-year-old is accused of shooting former A$AP Mob member A$AP Relli in 2021 during an encounter in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles. Rocky, who claims to have used a prop gun during the incident, has been charged with two counts of felony assault and faces up to 24 years in prison if convicted.
A$AP Relli testifies during the A$AP Rocky trial for felony assault charges at Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center on January 29, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. A$AP Rocky was charged with two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm along with allegations that he fired a gun during a confrontation with Terell Ephron
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