The judge’s comments spark controversy as jury selection proceeds in the rapper’s case
A$AP Rocky’s ongoing trial for allegedly shooting former friend A$AP Relli has taken an unexpected turn, with the judge overseeing the case seemingly expressing admiration for the rapper’s mother. During the second day of jury selection on January 22, Judge Mark S. Arnold noticed Rocky’s sister and mother in the courtroom. After learning their identities, he jokingly asked, “You must have had him when you were about seven?” to which Rocky’s mom responded she was 26 at the time. The judge then remarked, “You are very beautiful. That’s on the record.”
While this exchange may have been lighthearted, it raised eyebrows given the sensitive nature of the case. The trial centers around an alleged shooting incident in Hollywood in November 2021, where Rocky (born Rakim Mayers) is accused of firing a gun at A$AP Relli (Terell Ephron) during a dispute. Rocky faces up to 24 years in prison if convicted on two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm.
Later in the day, controversy arose when it was revealed that only four Black individuals were present in a pool of 106 potential jurors. Rev. Al Sharpton condemned the jury composition, questioning the fairness of the selection process. However, neither Rocky nor his legal team have raised concerns regarding the jury yet.
Rocky has pleaded not guilty to the charges and rejected a plea deal that would have resulted in probation and jail time, asserting his commitment to a full trial.