Inside Rihanna's Support at A$AP Rocky's Trial, from Intense Demeanor to Family Moments: What You Didn't See (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky.Photo:Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis via Getty

Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis via Getty

Rihannais a supportive partner.On Wednesday, Jan. 29, theANTIsinger was present duringA$AP Rocky’s ongoing trial at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in downtown Los Angeles. Rocky is accused of firing a semi-automatic handgun at his former friend A$AP Relli in an altercation in November 2021.This is the first time that Rihanna, 36, has publicly supported Rocky, 36, since the legal case began. It also came hours after they stepped out for adate nightin Los Angeles.The “Praise the Lord” rapper turned down a plea deal from prosecutors on Jan. 21, opting for a jury trial instead of pleading guilty to one of two felony charges of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. He pleaded not guilty. He is facing up to 24 years in prison if found guilty.The plea deal included serving 180 days in jail and receiving a seven-year suspended sentence with three years on probation.A$AP Rocky.Los Angeles Times via GettyOpening statements beganon Jan. 24. The prosecution team claimed Relli showed up the night of the altercation thinking they would just “argue” and this would “repair their relationship.” Instead, the former friends got into an altercation and Relli claims Rocky shot him and missed. He also claims a bullet grazed his hand.Meanwhile, the defense team claims Rocky was carrying a “prop gun” for the purpose of scaring off potential threats. Rocky’s lawyer, Joe Tacopina, also claims that Rocky is licensed to carry a firearm in California.“For Relli, it was never about justice… it’s about a man seeking a profit from a fabricated narrative,” Tacopina said in court on Friday. “Rocky has nothing to hide here.“Here are all the details from Rihanna’s appearance in court Wednesday. She also attended again Thursday, wearing white for her second day in the gallery and again sitting between Rocky’s mother and sister.Sketch of Rihanna in court in Los Angeles on Jan. 30, 2025.Mona Shafer Edwards/BACKGRIDSecret entranceBefore the hearing began at around 10:00 a.m. PT, Rihanna entered the courtroom through a back door in the courthouse.Meanwhile, Rocky, his legal team, his mother and his sister took the main entrance.All-black everythingFor her courtroom outfit, the “Umbrella” singer opted for a long black coat with black buttons, gold jewelry, a black purse and had her hair parted to the side.Throughout the hearing, Rihanna would put on a pair of black-framed glasses to observe a photo or video that was shown on the courtroom screen.Rihanna and A$AP Rocky.Cindy Ord/WireImageFamily tiesInside the courtroom, Rihanna sat between Rocky’s mom and sister in the front row of their gallery.Rocky’s bodyguard and assistant also sat near the three women.Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.Little-to-no emotionRihanna remained stoic during Wednesday’s hearing, which ended early due to scheduling conflicts for one of the parties on trial.At times, the singer-songwriter would shift in her seat but remained facing forward. She also stared intently as A$AP Relli testified on the stand.When the first and only break was called, she stood up and then immediately sat back down. She, along with Rocky’s team and family, remained in the courtroom. The jurors, audience and A$AP Relli left the room.Shades onWhen the hearing was over, Rihanna remained seated and quietly chatted with Rocky’s mom and sister as everyone was escorted from the room. She also put a pair of black sunglasses on.Rihanna and A$AP Rocky did not take the main elevators down to exit the building. Prior to Wednesday’s hearing, the “Sundress” rapper had left the courthouse through the main elevators and entrances.

Rihannais a supportive partner.

On Wednesday, Jan. 29, theANTIsinger was present duringA$AP Rocky’s ongoing trial at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in downtown Los Angeles. Rocky is accused of firing a semi-automatic handgun at his former friend A$AP Relli in an altercation in November 2021.

This is the first time that Rihanna, 36, has publicly supported Rocky, 36, since the legal case began. It also came hours after they stepped out for adate nightin Los Angeles.

The “Praise the Lord” rapper turned down a plea deal from prosecutors on Jan. 21, opting for a jury trial instead of pleading guilty to one of two felony charges of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. He pleaded not guilty. He is facing up to 24 years in prison if found guilty.

The plea deal included serving 180 days in jail and receiving a seven-year suspended sentence with three years on probation.

A$AP Rocky.Los Angeles Times via Getty

Los Angeles Times via Getty

Opening statements beganon Jan. 24. The prosecution team claimed Relli showed up the night of the altercation thinking they would just “argue” and this would “repair their relationship.” Instead, the former friends got into an altercation and Relli claims Rocky shot him and missed. He also claims a bullet grazed his hand.

Meanwhile, the defense team claims Rocky was carrying a “prop gun” for the purpose of scaring off potential threats. Rocky’s lawyer, Joe Tacopina, also claims that Rocky is licensed to carry a firearm in California.

“For Relli, it was never about justice… it’s about a man seeking a profit from a fabricated narrative,” Tacopina said in court on Friday. “Rocky has nothing to hide here.”

Here are all the details from Rihanna’s appearance in court Wednesday. She also attended again Thursday, wearing white for her second day in the gallery and again sitting between Rocky’s mother and sister.

Sketch of Rihanna in court in Los Angeles on Jan. 30, 2025.Mona Shafer Edwards/BACKGRID

Mona Shafer Edwards/BACKGRID

Secret entrance

Before the hearing began at around 10:00 a.m. PT, Rihanna entered the courtroom through a back door in the courthouse.

Meanwhile, Rocky, his legal team, his mother and his sister took the main entrance.

All-black everything

For her courtroom outfit, the “Umbrella” singer opted for a long black coat with black buttons, gold jewelry, a black purse and had her hair parted to the side.

Throughout the hearing, Rihanna would put on a pair of black-framed glasses to observe a photo or video that was shown on the courtroom screen.

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky.Cindy Ord/WireImage

Cindy Ord/WireImage

Family ties

Inside the courtroom, Rihanna sat between Rocky’s mom and sister in the front row of their gallery.

Rocky’s bodyguard and assistant also sat near the three women.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Little-to-no emotion

Rihanna remained stoic during Wednesday’s hearing, which ended early due to scheduling conflicts for one of the parties on trial.

At times, the singer-songwriter would shift in her seat but remained facing forward. She also stared intently as A$AP Relli testified on the stand.

When the first and only break was called, she stood up and then immediately sat back down. She, along with Rocky’s team and family, remained in the courtroom. The jurors, audience and A$AP Relli left the room.

Shades on

When the hearing was over, Rihanna remained seated and quietly chatted with Rocky’s mom and sister as everyone was escorted from the room. She also put a pair of black sunglasses on.

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky did not take the main elevators down to exit the building. Prior to Wednesday’s hearing, the “Sundress” rapper had left the courthouse through the main elevators and entrances.

source: people.com