ASAP Rocky’s felony assault trial is now in its final phase, with the jury set to begin deliberations on Tuesday following the President’s Day break. The 12-member jury will determine whether the rapper is guilty of two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, charges that could result in a 24-year prison sentence if convicted.
The trial, which has spanned several weeks, concluded with closing arguments on Friday. Rihanna, Rocky’s longtime partner, was in attendance. Deputy District Attorney John Lewin cautioned jurors against allowing her presence to influence their decision, stating, “You are not allowed to consider how this might affect Rihanna and his kids.”
Rocky maintains that he never fired a real weapon and that he only carried a prop gun as a deterrent. His attorney, Joe Tacopina, questioned the reliability of the alleged victim, ASAP Relli, urging jurors to consider whether they would trust his testimony in a life-altering decision.
With deliberations set to begin, the music industry is watching closely as Rocky also prepares for the release of his forthcoming album, Don’t Be Dumb.