Rihanna made a discreet appearance in a Los Angeles courtroom on Wednesday, January 29 to support her partner, rapper A$AP Rocky, as his trial for alleged assault with a firearm entered a critical phase, per sky.com. The trial, which has drawn significant media attention, saw key witness Terell Ephron, also known as A$AP Relli, take the stand to testify about the 2021 incident that led to the charges.
Rihanna, who shares two young sons with Rocky, arrived alone and sat alongside the rapper’s mother and sister, avoiding the courtroom cameras. Her presence, though low-key, underscored the high-profile nature of the case. During jury selection last week, prosecutors questioned potential jurors about whether Rihanna’s celebrity status or her appearance in court could influence their decision-making. While nearly all jurors acknowledged her fame, they assured the court it would not affect their impartiality.
The trial centres on allegations that Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, fired a handgun at Ephron during a confrontation in Hollywood in November 2021. Ephron, a former friend and fellow member of the A$AP collective, testified that the incident occurred after a heated argument and physical altercation. He claimed Rocky pulled a gun from his waistband and fired a shot in his direction, describing the moment as “like a movie.”
“He turned around, and then it was like BOOM!” Ephron told the jury. “He kind of pointed down and shot the first shot.” Ephron stated that he felt his hand grow “hot” but did not sustain a serious injury. He also alleged that Rocky fired a second shot before fleeing the scene.
Rocky’s defence team has argued that the gun in question was not a real firearm but a starter pistol used as a prop. His lawyer emphasised that Ephron was aware of this fact, though Ephron contradicted this claim during his testimony, insisting, “Oh, it was a real gun.”
The trial has taken a toll on both parties. Ephron revealed that he has faced death threats and seen his career in music management decline since the incident, calling the aftermath “a living hell.” Meanwhile, Rocky, who has pleaded not guilty to two felony counts, faces up to 24 years in prison if convicted.
The case has cast a shadow over Rocky’s flourishing career. The rapper, who rose to fame with his 2013 debut album, is set to headline the Rolling Loud Music Festival, star in a Spike Lee-directed crime drama alongside Denzel Washington, and co-chair the 2025 Met Gala. He is also nominated for a Grammy at this Sunday’s awards ceremony.
The case is expected to unfold over the coming weeks, with further testimony and evidence set to shape the outcome of this high-stakes legal battle.
