ASAP Rocky and Rihanna’s relationship status was debated in court before the start of his criminal gun trial.
This debate was brought to light when Akademiks posted a video clip to both his Instagram and X social media accounts.
Rocky’s trial stems from an April 2022 arrest in connection with a November 2021 shooting in Los Angeles.
He’s accused of firing a gun at Terell Ephron, formerly known as ASAP Relli. Rocky pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, including allegations of personally using a firearm.
On Wednesday, Rocky’s attorney, Joe Tacopina, attended a preliminary hearing where Judge Mark S. Arnold tried to figure out Rocky’s relationship status with Rihanna, with whom he shares two kids.
Related stories
When speaking to the judge, Tacopina described the “Only Girl In The World” singer as Rocky’s “common-law wife.”
However, the opposing counsel decided to push for more clarification, stating:
“If they’re not legally married, we prefer that she not be referred to as his wife and that she is just referred to as his significant other or mother of his children,”
Arnold then ruled stating:
“If they are not legally married, she is his significant other,”
The status of Rocky and Rihanna’s relationship has been a public interest for a while now, so it’s not surprising it found its way into his trial.
About the ongoing trial, Tacopina spoke to reporters on Wednesday after Arnold confirmed that jury selection would begin the following Tuesday.
Tacopina told Rolling Stone that
“Rocky is eager to tell his story. He would love the opportunity to do so.
He went on to say that,
“He’s very articulate, very intelligent. He’s a good human being, and that would come out if he testifies. But that’s a decision that has not been made yet. It depends on how the case goes.”
Prosecutors have said they would make a final plea deal offer, but according to Tacopina, ASAP Rocky doesn’t want a deal.
Tacopina also described the evidence against his client as “fundamentally weak.”
