Sat Feb 01 03:10:00 IST 2025: ## Rihanna Attends as A$AP Rocky’s Trial Continues; Witness Testimony Highlights Contradictions

**LOS ANGELES (AP)** — The trial of rapper A$AP Rocky, charged with two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, continued Thursday with dramatic testimony and the continued presence of his partner, singer Rihanna. A key witness, A$AP Relli (Terell Ephron), a former friend of Rocky’s, took the stand, alleging that Rocky pointed a gun at him and fired shots in November 2021.

Relli’s testimony, however, was marked by inconsistencies. He admitted that his recollection of events had changed over the past three years, leading to pointed questioning from the defense attorney, Joe Tacopina. While maintaining that Rocky fired a gun, Relli’s account of the gun’s proximity to him differed from statements he made in a 2022 interview with prosecutors. He also shouted at Rocky during his testimony, leading Judge Mark S. Arnold to admonish him.

Tacopina challenged Relli’s account, presenting text messages showing animosity between the two men leading up to the alleged incident. The messages revealed heated exchanges, including threats and insults. Relli explained away these messages, stating they didn’t imply a desire for a gunfight. He also admitted to deleting some text messages before handing his phone to police.

The defense focused on undermining Relli’s credibility, questioning his memory and highlighting discrepancies in his statements. They contend the shots fired were from a blank-firing starter pistol. The prosecution, however, maintains the weapon was a semiautomatic firearm.

Rihanna, who has been noticeably absent from the trial’s earlier stages, made her second consecutive appearance in court on Thursday. She sat discreetly near Rocky’s family, remaining out of the direct view of cameras. Her presence added to the already high-profile nature of the proceedings.

The trial is expected to continue, with the defense yet to fully address the moment the shots were allegedly fired. A conviction could result in a sentence of up to 25 years in prison for A$AP Rocky. The rapper is also scheduled to attend the Grammy Awards this Sunday, adding another layer of complexity to his current situation.

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