Rihanna is reportedly planning to attend A$AP Rocky’s upcoming trial, showing her support as he faces serious legal trouble. According to TMZ, the singer intends to be present in court on Wednesday, January 29, though her plans may still change.
Concerns Over Jury Selection
A major point of contention in the trial is the jury selection process. Reports indicate that the 12-person jury consists of seven women and five men, none of whom are Black. Instead, the jury includes white, Asian, and Latino individuals. Additionally, the four alternate jurors are all white women.
This has raised concerns, as both Rocky and the alleged victim, former A$AP Mob member A$AP Relli (Terell Ephron), are Black. While neither the prosecution nor Rocky’s defense team has formally objected to the jury’s makeup, civil rights leader Al Sharpton has publicly criticized the selection process.
Al Sharpton Speaks Out
Sharpton took to social media to express his disapproval, stating:
“It is absolutely ridiculous that the jury will be not fair and representative, so as to deprive A$AP Rocky of a fair trial.”
He highlighted the disparity, pointing out:
“When we have four (4) Black people in the city of Los Angeles, out of one hundred and six (106) — and exactly zero (0) within the first thirty (30) possible candidates for the jury — something appears to be very wrong with the system.”
Sharpton has called on the Los Angeles District Attorney to ensure Rocky receives fair treatment under the law.
Rocky’s Charges and Potential Sentence
A$AP Rocky is accused of shooting A$AP Relli during a dispute in Hollywood in November 2021. He has pleaded not guilty to two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. If convicted, he could face up to 24 years in prison.
Recently, Rocky rejected a plea deal that included probation, a suspended sentence, and jail time, signaling his intention to fight the charges in court.
Awaiting the Trial’s Outcome
With Rihanna’s reported attendance and growing public scrutiny over the fairness of the proceedings, all eyes will be on Los Angeles County Court as the case unfolds. The trial’s outcome could have significant implications for Rocky’s future and broader discussions about jury selection and racial fairness in the legal system.
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