Al Sharpton criticized the jury pool for A$AP Rocky’s trial in Los Angeles, stating that out of 106 prospective jurors, only four are Black, which he called “absolutely ridiculous” and indicative of an unfair and unrepresentative jury.
As we previously reported, jury selection was set to begin in the case where Rocky faces accusations of firing a gun at Terell Ephron, known to many as ASAP Relli, in Hollywood. In April 2022, LAPD officials revealed that Rocky, who was 33 at the time, had been arrested in connection with the alleged shooting.
While reacting to the jury selection, Al Sharpton made it clear that he’s not of fan of the things he’s heard.
“It has been brought to my attention, by the National Action Network Los Angeles office, that out of one hundred and six (106) people called to potentially sit as jurors in A$AP Rocky’s trial in Los Angeles, there are only 4 black people.
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I have been closely in touch with A$AP Rocky’s friends, and though I do not know the particulars of the trial, I do know he deserves to be judged fairly by his peers, as is his Constitutional right.
It is absolutely ridiculous that the jury will be not fair and representative, so as to deprive A$AP Rocky of a fair trial. When we have four (4) black people in the city of Los Angeles, out of one hundred and six (106) — and exactly zero (0) within in the first thirty (30) possible candidates for the jury — something appears to be very wrong with the system.
I am monitoring this trial and challenging the Los Angeles District Attorney to ensure that fair and representative justice is afforded to A$AP Rocky,” Sharpton stated in his post on X.
If you’re not familiar with the case, authorities allege that “on November 6, 2021, around 10:15 p.m., an argument between two acquaintances occurred in the area of Selma Avenue and Argyle Avenue, in the Hollywood Area.”
“The argument escalated and resulted in the suspect firing a handgun at the victim. The victim sustained a minor injury from the incident and later sought his medical treatment. Following the shooting, the suspect and two additional males fled the area on foot.”
In August 2022, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón released a statement of his own.
“Discharging a gun in a public place is a serious offense that could have ended with tragic consequences not only for the person targeted but also for innocent bystanders visiting Hollywood,” Gascón said.
Rocky has entered a not guilty plea in the case. Recently, his attorney, Joe Tacopina, expressed that his client is “eager to share his side of the story.”