A fistfight nearly broke out in a courtroom during the closing arguments phase of rapper A$AP Rocky‘s assault trial in Los Angeles.
Rocky is on trial for firing a gun at a former friend, A$AP Relli, in Hollywood in 2021. Relli suffered a grazed knuckle.
Rocky’s attorney Joe Tacopina claims the gun was a starter pistol that the rapper carried for protection.
Emotions ran high in the courthouse on Thursday, Feb. 13, as Tacopina accused a state prosecutor of being unethical.
After some jawing back and forth between the two lawyers, the prosecutor said that Tacopina “might want to stop.” Courtroom observers encouraged both men to stop arguing, and the judge told everyone to take a break.
Cooler heads prevailed after everyone returned from recess.
Rocky’s longtime partner Rihanna was in attendance and witnessed the squabbling.
Rihanna attended the trial with the couple’s two sons, RZA and Riot Rose (pictured with a family friend).
During another break in the trial, Rihanna and A$AP went out into the hall. The pop singer walked away (presumably to use the restroom). When she returned, she was overhead telling the two boys to “wish daddy good luck”.
Friends say Rihanna is very nervous for her man. The trial is not going as planned — it was supposed to be over by now.
RiRi is reportedly concerned that the all-white and Asian jury will convict Rocky.
If he is convicted, he can appeal the verdict which could take years. In the meantime, he will be free until the appeal court’s ruling.
Rocky previously waived a prosecutor’s offer for a plea deal that included 6 months in jail and 7 years probation.
Rocky faces up to 24 years in prison if convicted of assault with a firearm.
