LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: A Los Angeles court ruled on Monday, November 20, that there is sufficient evidence to proceed with the trial of rapper A$AP Rocky. The judge scheduled the trial for January 8.
Rocky, who is the father of pop superstar Rihanna’s two children, has been accused of firing a semi-automatic handgun at his friend and A$AP Mob member A$AP Relli on November 6, 2021.
The latest development has worried Rihanna’s fans as the Fenty Beauty owner may face a bleak future as a single mother if her partner Rocky (real name Rakim Mayers) were to be imprisoned.
The 35-year-old singer is a long-time friend of the ‘Diamonds’ singer and confirmed their relationship in 2020, per Harper’s Bazaar. The couple went on to welcome two sons together - RZA, 18 months and Riot, three months.
What is A$AP Rocky accused of?
Rocky is accused by his former friend Relli (real name Terell Ephron) of firing shots at him during a heated argument on November 6, 2021.
Per the legal documents seen by PEOPLE, Relli accused Rocky of assault, battery and emotional distress and filed a civil suit against the ‘Praise the Lord’ rapper on August 10, 2022.
Rocky denied all the allegations made against him by Relli and pleaded not guilty.
However, during a preliminary hearing on Monday, November 20, Judge ML Villar ruled that there was enough evidence to start the case.
His lawyer Joe Tacopina, however, sounded confident as he said standing outside the courthouse, "I am certain Rocky will be vindicated of all of this.”
The investigative detective of the case Frank Flores took the stand on Monday and unveiled surveillance footage of the altercation where two loud sounds can be heard, but not seen. The detectives alleged those were the sounds of gunshots.
The detective further said that upon further examination, he determined that Rocky had a gun in his hand during the altercation. No gun was, however, recovered.
Relli, who is also the plaintiff, handed over two shell casings two days after the incident as evidence. No fingerprint was found on them.
Rocky was also previously arrested on April 20, 2022, and was released later the same day after posting $550,000 bond money.
'Get ready for the Rihanna solo mom chapter'
Following the judge's ruling that mandated Rocky to face trial in coming January, internet was abuzz with the news with several fans thinking about the repercussion it would have on pop sensation Rihanna.
Dreading a jail sentence, a fan said, "Rihanna single mom era incoming."
Someone else remarked pragmatically, "This guy about to ruin a good life he living for some beef ...I mean looking at his wife and kids should put some restrictions on what and how u react and behave."
Another fan, however, sounded hopeful as they said, "Awwww. Riri gonna use her influence to save him."
Another section of the fans started anticipating the arrival of Rihanna's ninth album which has been put on hold for some time, and said, "Oh R9 is coming."
Someone else said, "I remember someone called rihanna brave for making 2 baby from a man who can go in to jail anytime."
Another fan grieved, "With the way she looks at him no mahn she is going to feel it."
"Rihanna will be broken right now??," chimed in another fan of the pop star.
"That's gonna get him a few years??," said another saddened fan.
"Get ready for the Rihanna solo mom chapter – it's on the horizon!" prophesied another fan.
