Rakim Meyers trial
Why did A$AP Rocky reject a plea deal in his court case?
A$AP Rocky rejected a plea deal that would have resulted in almost no jail time because he maintained his innocence from day one. His lawyer emphasized that this was a matter of principle and justice, as Rocky refused to plead guilty to something he didn't do, despite being offered favorable terms. This decision highlights Rocky's commitment to clearing his name rather than accepting an expedient resolution that would have implied guilt. The jury's quick verdict ultimately vindicated his stance, seeing through what his defense team characterized as an extortion attempt disguised as a legal case.
Watch clip answer (00:12m)
ABC News
00:00 - 00:12
What did A$AP Rocky's lawyer claim about the nature of the case after his client was found innocent?
A$AP Rocky's lawyer characterized the case as an extortion scheme that was dramatically exposed during the court proceedings. He emphasized that he had consistently maintained this position throughout the legal process, stating 'I've always said this was an extortion. The extortion played out live in color in court.' Following the jury's verdict of innocence, the lawyer called for the district attorney to investigate and potentially prosecute Tyrell Efron based on admissions made during the trial. The statement reflects the defense team's view that their client was the target of an orchestrated attempt at extortion rather than a legitimate legal case.
Watch clip answer (00:13m)ABC News
00:13 - 00:26
What was the outcome of A$AP Rocky's felony assault trial?
A$AP Rocky (Rakim Myers) was found not guilty in his felony trial for assault with a semi-automatic firearm. The jury reached this verdict after only three hours of deliberation, dismissing allegations from 2021 that he had fired a gun at a former friend. The rapper had claimed during his defense that it was merely a prop gun that caused no real harm. The courtroom witnessed a dramatic reaction as Rocky celebrated the verdict with his partner Rihanna. This outcome was particularly significant as he had been facing a potential prison sentence of up to 24 years if convicted.
Watch clip answer (00:02m)
NBC News
02:02 - 02:05
What was the verdict in ASAP Rocky's felony trial?
Jurors in Los Angeles found rapper ASAP Rocky (born Rakim Myers) not guilty of two felony counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm. The charges stemmed from a 2021 incident where he allegedly fired a gun at a former friend, for which he could have faced up to 24 years in prison. The verdict was dramatic, with Rocky visibly emotional in the courtroom. His longtime partner, pop star Rihanna, was present when the verdict was read. Despite the serious accusations, Rocky had pleaded not guilty and declined to testify in his own defense during the trial.
Watch clip answer (00:53m)NBC News
00:00 - 00:53
What happens at the conclusion of a jury trial, and how are jurors recognized for their service?
At the conclusion of a jury trial, such as in the case of Joaquin Bayers where Rakim Meyers was found not guilty of firearm-related felonies, jurors receive formal recognition for their service. In this Los Angeles Superior Court proceeding, jurors were presented with certificates of completion to acknowledge their dedication and commitment to ensuring a fair trial. The court also allows jurors to keep their JIRA badges as mementos of their civic duty. This formal acknowledgment highlights the judicial system's appreciation for jurors' integral role in upholding justice and maintaining transparency in the legal process.
Watch clip answer (00:05m)
ABC News
02:19 - 02:24
What did the judge tell jurors about discussing the case after the Rakim Meyers verdict?
After the verdict in Rakim Meyers' case, the court informed jurors that the previous admonition prohibiting them from discussing the case no longer applied. The judge explicitly stated that jurors were now free to talk about the case with anyone if they wished to do so. At the same time, the judge emphasized that this was entirely at the jurors' discretion - they could choose to discuss the case openly or maintain their privacy by not discussing it with anyone. This instruction marked the formal end of their confidentiality obligations as jurors following the conclusion of the trial.
Watch clip answer (00:07m)ABC News
02:11 - 02:18