The trial for rapper A$AP Rocky is underway in downtown L.A. TMZ reports that he rejected a plea deal to serve 6 months in jail – and can face up to 24 months if convicted. The artist is accused of firing a gun at a former associate, A$AP Relli, in 2021.
His lawyer, Joe Tacopina, argues that the gun shown in the unfavorable video evidence of Rocky seen brandishing a gun is only a “prop gun.” He also argues the ballistic reports, if ever released by the prosecution, will show shell casings from the scene will match a semi-automatic weapon not the “prop gun” Rocky was seen carrying.
TMZ reports Rocky refused the plea deal because there were additional clauses that would significantly reduce his ability to perform as an artist – including three years of formal probation, seven years of unsupervised probation, and 500 hours of community service among other items.