Popular hip-hop star A$AP Rocky has decided not to take the stand in his trial over two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. The defense rested its case on Tuesday without calling him to testify.
During the court proceedings, the 36-year-old musician invoked his Fifth Amendment right to remain silent, saying, “I want my right to not testify.” This decision came after discussions with his lawyers and Superior Court Judge Mark Arnold.
Rocky faces up to 24 years in prison if convicted, as he turned down a pre-trial plea deal that could have resulted in just 180 days behind bars.
His attorney, Joe Tacopina, had previously mentioned that Rocky was eager to share his side of the story but decided against it due to the potential challenges of facing cross-examination.
The Grammy-nominated artist, who is known for his work in music, fashion, and acting, is in a long-term relationship with singing sensation Rihanna. The couple, who shares two young sons, has been seen together sporadically at the trial.
Throughout the trial, Rocky would have likely testified that the firearm he used in the incident was a starter pistol that only fired blanks and was carried for security purposes. His tour manager also testified that the gun in question was not a real weapon.
Closing arguments in the three-week trial are set for Thursday morning, after which jurors will begin deliberating.
