Al Sharpton Calls Out Racial Imbalance In Jury Selection For A$AP Rocky Shooting Trial
Al Sharpton has raised concerns over the jury selection in A$AP Rocky’s shooting trial.
The Civil Rights activist took to X on Wednesday (Jan. 22) to express concerns about the racial imbalance in the selection process—which reportedly includes only four Black individuals among the 106 potential jurors. Sharpton let it be known that the Harlem rapper “deserves to be judged fairly by his peers, as is his Constitutional right.”
“It is absolutely ridiculous that the jury will be not fair and representative, so as to deprive A$AP Rocky of a fair trial,” he wrote. “When we have four (4) Black people in the city of Los Angeles, out of one hundred and six (106) — and exactly zero (0) within in the first thirty (30) possible candidates for the jury — something appears to be very wrong with the system.”
Sharpton emphasized that although he is not privy to the specific details of Rocky’s trial, he found the statistics alarming.
A$AP Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, has pleaded “not guilty” to charges of assault with a semiautomatic firearm related to a 2021 shooting incident involving Terell Ephron (A$AP Relli). The rapper was arrested in 2022 and reportedly declined a plea deal that would have included a 180-day jail sentence.
Rocky’s attorney, Joe Tacopina, has stated that his client is “eager to tell his story.” According to police reports, an argument between two individuals allegedly escalated into gunfire. The suspect and two others reportedly fled the scene, while the alleged victim suffered minor injuries. Tacopina has indicated that he plans to call two witnesses who can testify that the weapon seen in surveillance footage was a “starter pistol” prop gun, which Rocky allegedly carried for security purposes.
Sharpton further urged the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office to ensure a fair trial. “I am monitoring this trial and challenging the Los Angeles District Attorney to ensure that fair and representative justice is afforded to A$AP Rocky,” he reiterated.
During a pre-trial hearing on January 16, Judge Mark S. Arnold sought clarification on A$AP and Rihanna’s marital status, which could determine if she is called to the stand to testify. However, Tacopina responded, “She’s his common-law wife, your Honor. Or just ‘wife,’” prompting an objection from prosecution.
A prosecutor countered, “If they’re not legally married, we prefer that she not be referred to as his wife and that she is just referred to as his significant other or mother of his children.” However, the judge pressed for confirmation, asking if the couple was legally married anywhere. Tacopina admitted, “I don’t know, but she’s certainly his common-law wife.”
When asked whether Rihanna would attend the trial, Tacopina remained uncertain. “I don’t know. That’s a family decision,” he told legal affairs journalist Meghann Cuniff. “He’s very protective of Rihanna and doesn’t want her anywhere near this proceeding. But that’s a family decision they’ll make.”
Reportedly, jury selection is expected to last about 15 days. If convicted, A$AP Rocky faces up to 24 years in prison.
Take a look at Al Sharpton’s remarks about A$AP Rocky’s trial above.
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