A$AP Rocky now has the backing of civil rights leader Al Sharpton as he prepares for trial over a 2021 shooting.
The prominent activist criticized the jury selection process on Wednesday (January 22), highlighting a lack of diversity among potential jurors. Sharpton expressed his concerns on X, stating, “It is absolutely ridiculous that the jury will be not fair and representative, so as to deprive A$AP Rocky of a fair trial.”
He emphasized the disparity, adding, “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 pledged to closely monitor the trial, urging the Los Angeles District Attorney to uphold justice.
Rocky Rejects Plea Deal as Trial Unfolds; Defense Plans to Challenge Gun Evidence
Despite the ongoing trial, Rocky and his defense team have remained silent about the jury selection process, which is still ongoing. The Harlem rapper faces charges of shooting former A$AP Mob member A$AP Relli during a confrontation in Hollywood in November 2021. Rocky has denied the accusations, pleading not guilty to two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, a conviction that could lead to a 24-year prison sentence.
In addition, Rocky rejected a plea deal that offered probation, a suspended prison sentence, and 180 days in jail. This decision was anticipated, as his lawyer Joe Tacopina previously stated, “From our side, we have no interest in a settlement. My client has indicated he’s not willing to take anything.”
Tacopina has also revealed some details of his defense for the upcoming 15-day trial, stating that two witnesses are prepared to testify the gun shown in security footage was a prop that Rocky carried “for security purposes.”
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