A$AP Rocky has chosen not to take the stand in his trial concerning two felony assault charges with a semiautomatic firearm. His defense team rested its case on Tuesday without calling the rapper to testify.
The 36-year-old hip-hop star confirmed his decision before Superior Court Judge Mark Arnold. When asked if he had discussed it with his attorneys, Rocky responded, “Absolutely, your honor,” and invoked his Fifth Amendment right. “I want my right to not testify,” he stated firmly.
Following his statement, Rocky exited the courthouse after the judge instructed the jury. Closing arguments are scheduled for Thursday morning, with deliberations likely to begin later that afternoon.
Rocky’s attorney, Joe Tacopina, previously suggested that his client might take the stand. However, after careful consideration, the defense decided against it, a strategic move often seen in criminal trials to avoid intense cross-examination.
Tacopina had earlier claimed that Rocky was “eager to tell his story” but acknowledged the risks involved in allowing the rapper to testify. The prosecution, led by Deputy District Attorney John Lewin, had prepared for his testimony.
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If convicted, A$AP Rocky could face up to 24 years in prison. He had previously turned down a plea deal that could have resulted in only 180 days behind bars.
Lewin, known for his rigorous cross-examinations, gained notoriety for questioning real estate heir Robert Durst for nine days in a case that ended in a murder conviction. Had Rocky testified, he likely would have faced similarly tough questioning.
Rocky, whose legal name is Rakim Mayers, shares two young children with global superstar Rihanna. The singer has attended court proceedings sporadically, making headlines when she walked arm-in-arm with Rocky after Friday’s session.
During the trial, the defense has argued that the firearm used in the 2021 incident was merely a starter pistol that fired blanks. Rocky’s tour manager, the final defense witness, supported this claim, becoming the second person from the rapper’s inner circle to testify about the weapon.
