Singer Rihanna has expressed strong support for her partner, rapper A$AP Rocky, making her first appearance in a Los Angeles courtroom since his trial began.
Rihanna was seen on January 29 at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center, where Rocky is being tried on charges of shooting his former friend, A$AP Relli, with an automatic weapon during a November 2021 fight.
People magazine reported that this was the first time Rihanna, 36, has publicly appeared in support of her partner, A$AP Rocky, also 36, since the legal proceedings began. Her appearance came hours after the couple went out together for a romantic night in Los Angeles.
Rocky has rejected a plea deal that would have seen him sentenced to 180 days in prison. He has decided to proceed to a jury trial, denying the assault charge. If convicted, he could face up to 24 years in prison.
Prosecutors say Rell went to the night of the fight thinking he would talk to Rocky and that it would “fix the relationship” between them. According to the indictment, during the fight, Rocky fired a gun, hitting Rell in the hand.
Rocky’s defense, on the other hand, claims that he only carried a gun to intimidate potential threats and that he has a permit to carry that gun in California.
Rocky’s attorney, Joe Tacopina, said that “for Rell, this is not a matter of justice… this is about someone seeking to profit from a made-up story and that Rocky has nothing to hide.”
Rihanna entered the courtroom secretly, using a side door, while Rocky, his legal team and family entered through the main entrance.
Rihanna was wearing a long black coat, gold jewelry and a black bag, and she wore dark glasses during the hearing.
During the testimony, Rihanna remained calm and emotionless, except for occasionally moving in her seat, but she always maintained her attention. When the first break was taken, she stood up, but immediately sat down again. After the hearing ended, Rihanna spoke with Rocky’s mother and sister and left quietly.
