Would-be jurors at A$AP Rocky’s trial on assault charges have been asked numerous questions about the rapper and his superstar girlfriend, Rihanna, according to a report published Thursday.
Rocky, whose legal name is Rakim Mayers, faces two assault charges after police said he shot an old friend in the hand in November 2021 in Hollywood. He has pleaded not guilty and rejected a plea deal at the beginning of the proceedings earlier this week.
As jury selection began, prosecutors asked potential jurors if they listened to music by Rocky or Rihanna, if they knew of the couple’s celebrity status and if they purchased any products from Rihanna’s Fenty fashion and beauty line, TMZ reported.
Prosecutor John Lewin asked an early potential set of jurors if they were fans of Rihanna and if they’d be able to reach an impartial verdict if she was in the courtroom.
The “Work” artist, who shares two children with Rocky and has dated him since 2020, has not appeared in court through the trial’s opening days. Defense attorneys have said she is unlikely to attend.
After questioning, the jury was seated Thursday afternoon. Opening statements were expected on Friday after the five men and seven women were selected.
Rocky faces up to 24 years in prison if convicted on both counts.
He rejected a plea deal on Tuesday that would’ve seen him serve 180 days in jail and three years of probation in exchange for pleading guilty to one count of assault with a semiautomatic firearm.