Lawyer for A$AP Rocky Denies Claims that Rihanna Used Children in Court for Sympathy

Lawyer Denies “Trick” Claim

The lawyer for A$AP Rocky denied allegations that Rihanna recently brought their children to court as a “trick” to garner sympathy from the jury—see his remarks below.

Verdict Summary

Last week (February 18), the rapper A$AP Rocky, who shares two children with Rihanna, was found not guilty after a recent trial concerning his involvement in a shooting incident in 2021.

After nearly a month-long trial in Los Angeles, A$AP Rocky was declared innocent by all jurors following charges that he allegedly shot a pistol at his former friend Ap Rolli in 2021. Rocky faced a potential 24-year prison sentence after he rejected a plea deal of 180 days in jail.

During the trial, Rihanna appeared in court to support the rapper, and at the end of the court proceedings, she brought their children. Following the not guilty verdict, the couple celebrated with a hug.

Reactions and Statements

After the verdict, several social media users expressed their belief that Rihanna’s decision to bring their children to court was a “trick” to win over the jury. In response, Rocky’s lawyer, Joe Tacopina, voiced his support for the couple, asserting that her intentions were sincere.

During a recent episode of the Breakfast Club podcast, discussing this case, Tacopina stated: “When Rihanna brought the children to court, some thought it was a ploy to elicit sympathy. The jury doesn’t feel sympathy; they know he has a wife and children.”

He further remarked, “It was crucial, especially since it was the last day of the trial. She brought them there because it might have been the last time they saw him for a decade or longer. That’s why she brought them. The prosecutor’s emphasis on this in his summation was a major misstep.”

According to Tacopina, A$AP Rocky had not wanted Rihanna, nor their children, to attend the court sessions. “He didn’t want her there. He was very protective of her… But when she called me, she said, ‘Joe, wild horses couldn’t keep me away, so let him know I’ll be there.’”

As soon as the verdict was announced, Rocky leapt over the court railing to embrace Rihanna and his family before regaining his composure. It was reported that A$AP Rocky expressed gratitude to the jury for the “salvation of my life” and noted that they “made the right decision.”

In a brief statement on her Instagram Stories, Rihanna shared her thoughts on the verdict: “Glory belongs to God and God! Grateful, humbled by his mercy! 🙏🏿.”

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky first met in 2012 and began their romantic relationship in 2020. Although they are not married, they share two children, welcoming their second son in August 2023.