In a courtroom spectacle that could only belong in Tinseltown, Rihanna has made a surprising appearance to lend support to her partner, A$AP Rocky, who’s embroiled in a legal battle after being accused of firing a weapon at his former friend in a shocking altercation back in 2021. Now, let me ask you this: is it a show of love or just a highly publicized attempt to break the internet while the drama unfolds? Fans have certainly had mixed reactions to her courtroom cameo, as whispers of concerns about her influence in the case circulate. With Rocky facing a staggering 24-year prison sentence should he be found guilty—and having turned down a seemingly lenient plea deal—there’s no shortage of tension in the air. Dressed incognito in a sleek black coat, Rihanna’s presence was noted by jurors even as she attempted to slip in without a fuss. Curiosity piqued? Read on to find out more about this unfolding saga filled with celebrity intrigue, courtroom drama, and a sprinkle of emotional support that only a superstar could provide.
Rihanna appeared in the Los Angeles courtroom where her partner, A$AP Rocky, is on trial after being accused of firing a weapon at his former friend, ASAP Relli, in 2021.
Some fans expressed displeasure after reports revealed that Rihanna could make a court appearance to support Rocky on Wednesday.
The rapper faces a jail sentence of 24 years if found guilty and refused a plea deal from prosecutors that would have required him to serve six months in prison.
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Rihanna was at the court in downtown LA, where Rocky’s trial proceedings are taking place.
According to TMZ, the “Umbrella” singer entered the courtroom without any media frenzy as she “came in incognito.”
She wore a black coat and reportedly sat in the front row of the court gallery between her partner’s mom and sister.
Although Rihanna avoided media attention on her way to the court, the jurors clearly noticed her presence.
Meanwhile, Rocky entered the courtroom before Rihanna and had to deal with camera flashes and questions from the paparazzi.
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Prosecutor is asking Relli about texts between him and Rocky after shooting. Rihanna had her glasses on top of her head but moved them down so she could read the screen.
They are messages like this that were displayed in opening, but they’re the actual messages, not replicas. pic.twitter.com/quPzeCOi3X
— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) January 29, 2025
During Wednesday’s trial proceedings, ASAP Relli, real name Terell Ephron, testified against A$AP Rocky.
Independent legal journalist Meghann Cuniff posted about the proceedings on X, revealing that prosecutors asked Relli about texts he exchanged with Rocky after the shooting.
At that instance, Rihanna moved her glasses down to read the messages on the screen. She also listened intently as Relli testified.
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On Tuesday, reports emerged that Rihanna was planning to be in court to support her partner in his trial.
An appearance by the pop star was surely going to cause a stir in court, given the media attention it would attract.
Hence, an insider told TMZ that plans could change, but Rihanna was slated to be in court on Wednesday.
Despite only making her first court appearance to support Rocky on Wednesday, Rihanna had already played a big part in the trial proceedings.
The singer was a key factor in the jury selection process as potential were quizzed on whether they were her fans or had purchased her Fenty brand before.
There are fears Rihanna could sway the jurors’ possible votes due to her influence, though that is not a legal possibility.
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The only thing Rocky needs is some plastic surgery to fix that ugly mug of his. Rihanna could do much better.
— urban myths, legends (@urbanmyths) January 28, 2025
After reports emerged that Rihanna could appear in court to support Rocky, many fans took to X to share their thoughts about it.
Some of the “Diamonds” singer’s fans voiced their disapproval and urged her to distance herself from Rocky’s legal troubles.
One fan who feared Rocky could be convicted wrote, “Oh no girl! He’s going to prison if you show up or not.”
Another fan exclaimed, “NAUR naur, don’t do it!!!”
A third person felt Rihanna could have done better. They wrote, “She could do better. She had options.”
Another person with similar sentiments added, “The only thing Rocky needs is some plastic surgery to fix that ugly mug of his. Rihanna could do much better.”
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Rocky officially declined a plea deal offered by Los Angeles County prosecutors. Last Tuesday, the rapper appeared in court for jury selection in his highly publicized trial.
According to reports, the prosecution’s final offer would have required Rocky to plead guilty to one of two felony charges in exchange for a reduced sentence—six months in jail, three years of probation, and a seven-year suspended sentence.
However, Rocky and his legal team rejected the deal, signaling their confidence in their defense strategy.
His attorney, Joe Tacopina, hinted at a key argument they plan to use in court: the firearm in question was allegedly a “starter pistol,” a non-lethal prop carried by the rapper for security purposes.
The case stems from a November 2021 altercation between Rocky and Relli. Ephron claims that Rocky fired a gun at him during a heated dispute near a Hollywood hotel, with bullets allegedly grazing his knuckles. A preliminary hearing in 2021 resulted in a judge ruling that there was enough evidence for the case to go to trial.
With a potential 24-year prison sentence on the line, all eyes are now on the courtroom as Rocky fights to clear his name.