A rap mogul, known in the music world as A$AP Rocky, is facing serious charges. This is not just any court case.  He faces two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm in a 2021 shooting linked to another member of his music group, A$AP Relli.  The hip-hop world and celebrities in general are closely watching the case unfold.

Let's look at what happened in Los Angeles.     In 2021, rapper and producer A$AP Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, is on trial for allegedly using a firearm while involved in an altercation with A$AP Relli. What started as a friendly relationship between band members ended in a dramatic way.  A$AP Rocky denies firing a gun while his defense maintains the gun was a starter pistol for safety and the defendant did not fire it at A$AP Relli.

   How serious is this?     It's life-altering. If convicted on both counts, A$AP Rocky could face up to 24 years in prison. He did turn down a plea deal of 180 days in jail.  He's facing a lot, but there's more.

    The fallout from the incident has been brutal. A$AP Relli alleges his life has been a nightmare since the shooting.  He claims to have received death threats, been called a "snitch", and has suffered career losses as a music industry manager.

    Enter the celebrities.

    In a move that has the hip-hop world buzzing, Rihanna, A$AP Rocky's girlfriend, stood by him in court on Wednesday as the case got started. The Fenty Beauty mogul and pop star arrived through a private entrance to avoid the media storm waiting outside.  She sat in the front row.

     Then there's singer and rapper Azealia Banks, known for her outspoken personality, tweeted her support for A$AP Relli, adding to the intensity. She mentioned that A$AP Rocky might have fired the gun in a jealous rage after a flirting incident.  She also argued A$AP Rocky should be held accountable and go to jail.

    On the other side, 50 Cent voiced his disbelief,  posted a video clip of A$AP Relli's testimony claiming A$AP Rocky shot at him. He also questioned A$AP Relli's motives, suggesting the whole drama might be a money grab.

    This is a complex story. Last week, A$AP Rocky hit back at folks who called him a "snitch. "  He asked, "Would you be a snitch if someone shot you? "

    And that's not all. People are speculating how Rihanna's presence in court might sway jurors, despite instructions only to consider the evidence shown.  One attorney noted that while jurors should ignore external factors, human nature might get the better of them.   It is important to note that the judge has put a gag order in effect in the trial.

    Next up is A$AP Relli's testimony, set to continue on Thursday.  This is going to be an ongoing drama as the case unfolds.

Celebrities Pick Sides in Gun Trial Drama

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