00:00A$AP Rocky is fighting for his freedom in a Los Angeles courtroom,
00:03but one surprising absence has everyone talking, Rihanna.
00:07Here's what's happening inside the trial that's captivating headlines and sparking debate online.
00:12The trial began with juror selection and drama hit early when a potential
00:16juror revealed unexpected ties to Rihanna as reported by Newsweek.
00:21The report states the woman, a former TV executive, told Judge Mark Arnold she
00:26shares a chiropractor with the Grammy-winning singer and has industry connections, stating,
00:31I supported hip-hop artists from 95 to 2009, and I'm still attached to the community.
00:36TMZ reports that the jury selection in A$AP Rocky's trial wrapped up with a gender split
00:41of seven women and five men, but notably no black jurors were selected, despite LA's diverse
00:47population. Rolling Stone states prosecutors claim Rocky fired multiple shots during a heated
00:52argument with his former friend A$AP Relly, but Rocky's defense tells a very different story.
00:58The fashion icon's defense states he fired two warning shots from a starter pistol,
01:03commonly used at track meets and capable of firing live rounds, in an attempt to break
01:08up a scuffle between Relly and A$AP mob member A$AP Illz. The case now hinges on conflicting
01:14testimonies, shaky video evidence, questions about a loaded 9mm magazine found at Rocky's
01:20home after the incident, and two 9mm shell casings later found by A$AP Relly at the scene
01:26and returned to the police, as reported by Newsweek. While prosecutors argue these pieces
01:31of evidence connect Rocky to the alleged shooting, his defense maintains it's a money grab fueled by
01:37lies and jealousy. The key topic of discussion of whether Rihanna will support the father of
01:42their two children and make an appearance at the trial remains, as attorneys and experts fear her
01:47presence could sway jurors, with attorney Gloria Alred pointing out how jurors may be less likely
01:53to convict Rocky due to Rihanna's support and the pair having two young children. Rihanna did appear
01:59to be absent from the first day of the trial, with Rocky's attorney noting,
02:02he's very protective of Rihanna and doesn't want her anywhere near the proceedings,
02:06but that's a family decision they'll make. Despite the personal stress, Rihanna seems to
02:11continue to focus on her business as she recently posted a new photo promoting her Savage X Fenty
02:16Valentine's Day collection. But as the trial continues, fans have rushed to X using the hashtag
02:23A$AP Trial to share their thoughts. Questions on how public opinion and media coverage will treat
02:28A$AP Rocky if he's found guilty and comparisons to other high profile cases like Tory Lanez,
02:34who was found guilty of shooting female rapper Meg Thee Stallion in the foot,
02:38are dominating discussions online. So will Rihanna keep the family away from the trial
02:43and will A$AP Rocky's defense hold up? Share your thoughts and follow us everywhere at What's Trending.
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