Are A$AP Rocky and Rihanna Married? Relationship Questioned at Trial

A$AP Rocky and Rihanna's martial status came up in court recently during the rapper's felony assault trial in Los Angeles, resulting in his lawyer needing to clarify for the potential jury.

Why Is A$AP Rocky on Trial?

A$AP Rocky, whose legal name is Rakim Mayers, has pleaded not guilty to two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. The charges stem from a November 2021 incident in Hollywood, where A$AP Rocky allegedly fired a gun at former friend and fellow A$AP Mob member, A$AP Relli, whose real name is Terell Ephron.

If convicted on all charges, A$AP Rocky could get up to 24 years in prison.

On Tuesday, he declined a plea deal to receive 180 days in county jail with three years probation and a seven-year suspended prison sentence.

Is A$AP Rocky Married?

A$AP Rocky and fellow music star Rihanna have been dating since about 2020. They also share sons RZA, 2, and Riot, 1.

At a pretrial hearing last week, there was discussion on whether the court should refer to Rihanna as A$AP Rocky's "wife," "common-law wife" or "significant other."

His lawyer, Joe Tacopina, told the judge that he didn't know if the couple was legally married.

"If they are legally married anywhere, she will be his wife. If they are not legally married anywhere, she is his significant other," Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Mark S. Arnold said.

On the the first day of jury selection, Tacopina clarified that A$AP Rocky and Rihanna are not legally married.

"There's no marriage certificate," Tacopina told the judge.

Judge Arnold then told the jury pool, "His life partner is also an entertainer. Her name is Rihanna."

A$AP Rocky, Rihanna Relationship Timeline

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky have had a well-documented and public relationship. Here's a timeline of significant events in their romance:

2012: First Meeting

• Rihanna and A$AP Rocky first met during the shooting of the music video for "Cockiness (Love It)." They quickly became friends, and A$AP Rocky was rumored to have had a crush on Rihanna.

2013: Public Friendship

• The pair were frequently spotted together, attending events and hanging out. At this time, there was speculation about a romantic relationship, but both kept things ambiguous.

2018: Romance Rumors Begin

• Rihanna and A$AP Rocky were spotted together at several events, fueling rumors that they were dating. They were also seen on a few occasions hanging out, but both artists continued to deny any romantic involvement.

2020: Dating Confirmed

• The two officially began dating. In January, A$AP Rocky was photographed with Rihanna on a trip to Barbados. The romance was confirmed later that year, and they were spotted together at several events, including on vacations.

2021: Public Appearances

• Rihanna and A$AP Rocky continued to make public appearances together, solidifying their relationship. They were often seen together in the media, attending events, and supporting each other's work.

2022: Pregnancy Announcement

• January 2022: The couple revealed they were expecting their first child together. Rihanna debuted her baby bump during a walk in New York City, making the announcement to the world.
• May 2022: Rihanna and A$AP Rocky welcomed their first son, RZA Athelston Mayers.

2023: Family Life and Continued Public Appearances

• February 2023: Rihanna announced her second pregnancy during her 2023 Super Bowl Halftime Show.
• August 2023: Rihanna and A$AP Rocky welcomed their second child, a son named Riot Rose Mayers.

Will Rihanna Attend A$AP Rocky Trial?

Outside the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center last week, Tacopina told reporters he was unsure if Rihanna will attend the trial.

"I know Rocky is very protective of Rihanna and doesn't want her anywhere near this proceeding. But that's a family decision they'll make," he said.

Tacopina added: "This case is not about Rihanna. But I guess the D.A. [District Attorney] wants to make sure people aren't so enamored with Rihanna—they're going to be so blinded by their love for Rihanna—they won't listen to the evidence and facts of this case. I don't think that's the case. I think people are too smart for that. But I guess they're worried about it. They want to make sure she's classified in [a certain] way."

What Happens Next

Jury selection in A$AP Rocky's trial resumed Tuesday in Los Angeles at 10:30 a.m. local time.

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