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Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Mark S. Arnold, the judge presiding over A$AP Rocky‘s criminal assault trial, is trending after he made an interesting remark to the rapper’s mother, Renee Black.
According to Complex, Wednesday, January 22, marked the second day of jury selection in Rocky’s trial. Additionally, the date marked Rocky’s latest appearance in court. Per the outlet, the rapper was also joined by his mother and his sister, Erika B.
During the hearing, Judge Arnold reportedly asked about the new individuals present. In response, Rocky explained they were his mom and sister while his lawyer chimed in:
“You can’t tell, right, which one’s the mom?” Joe Tacopina reportedly told the judge.
In turn, Judge Arnold reportedly shared a question for Rocky’s mom.
“You must have had him when you were about 7,” he reportedly said. “…You are very beautiful. That’s on record.”
Subsequently, Judge Arnold’s comment to Rocky’s mom has sparked chatter online.
According to Complex, Wednesday’s trial events also sparked additional headlines. That same day, Reverend Al Sharpton took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share a lengthy message about the jury selection in A$AP Rocky’s trial.
It has been brought to my attention… that out of one hundred and six (106) people called to potentially sit as jurors in A$AP Rockys trial in Los Angeles, there are only 4 black people,” he wrote in part. “…It is absolutely ridiculous that the jury will be not fair and representative, so as to deprive A$AP Rocky of a fair trial… I am monitoring this trial and challenging the Los Angeles District Attorney to ensure that fair and representative justice is afforded to A$AP Rocky.”
As The Shade Room previously reported, Rocky was arrested and accused of assaulting a former friend in November 2021. The alleged victim, Terell Ephron, also known as A$AP Relli, accused the rapper of intentionally firing a handgun at him and leaving him injured with bullet fragments.
To date, Rocky has maintained his innocence. Most recently, he reportedly rejected a deal to plead guilty to the assault charge.
Per Complex, Rocky’s lawyer reportedly plans to argue that the weapon the rapper is accused of using was actually a “prop pistol,” or non-functioning gun.
