Los Angeles — Civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton has voiced concerns over the jury selection in the trial of rapper A$AP Rocky, who faces assault charges stemming from a 2021 dispute. The trial, which began on January 24, features accusations against Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, for allegedly shooting at his former associate Terell Ephron, known as A$AP Relli.
During the jury selection for the Los Angeles trial, Sharpton highlighted an issue with the racial composition of the potential jurors. Despite Los Angeles’ diverse population, only four Black individuals were among the 106 potential jurors. Sharpton expressed this concern on social media, stressing the importance of a jury that fairly represents the community.
“I have been closely in touch with A$AP Rocky’s friends, and – though I do not know the particulars of the trial – I do know he deserves to be judged fairly by his peers, as is his constitutional right,” Sharpton wrote. He also criticized the selection process, noting, “It is absolutely ridiculous that the jury will not be fair and representative, so as to deprive A$AP Rocky of a fair trial.”
The trial has attracted attention for its high-profile defendant and the serious nature of the charges. Rocky pleaded not guilty to two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. If convicted, he could face up to 24 years in prison. The incident reportedly occurred near the W Hotel Hollywood, where Rocky is alleged to have invited Ephron to discuss a disagreement. According to the prosecution, the meeting escalated into a physical altercation where Rocky pulled out a gun and fired, grazing Ephron’s knuckles. The incident was captured on CCTV.
Adding another layer to the case, Rocky’s legal team has suggested that the firearm seen in surveillance footage could be a prop gun. This claim was made during a hearing where Rocky rejected a plea deal that would have reduced his potential prison time significantly. The proposed deal included three years of probation, a seven-year suspended prison sentence, and 180 days in county jail.
Meanwhile, Rocky’s career continues amidst the legal turmoil. His much-anticipated fourth album “Don’t Be Dumb” was delayed from its original release date last August and is expected to drop later this year. The delay was purportedly due to leaks that affected the rollout plan.
As the trial progresses, Sharpton has promised to monitor the proceedings to ensure justice is served fairly and representatively. The controversy over the jury’s racial makeup underscores ongoing concerns about equality and fairness in the legal system.
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