A$AP Rocky took a significant gamble by turning down a plea bargain in his felony assault case, a decision rooted in preserving his career and freedom. According to insiders close to the situation, the rapper’s choice was fueled by the severe consequences the plea agreement would have had on his livelihood.
Rocky is now facing trial, with opening statements beginning today. The stakes are high, as he could face up to 24 years in prison for allegedly shooting A$AP Relli in November 2021. The plea deal offered to him included 180 days behind bars, a guilty plea to assault with a semiautomatic weapon (the most severe of the two charges), a seven-year suspended sentence, three years of probation, and 500 hours of community service.
However, sources reveal the deal came with career-ending repercussions. “Accepting the plea would have destroyed his career,” one insider explained. “He’d lose endorsement deals with Gucci, Puma, and other major brands. The Met Gala and touring opportunities would be off the table, leaving him with no path forward in the industry.”
The source emphasized the long-term impact of the deal, adding, “They would have kept him on a tight leash for over eight years. It wasn’t just about jail time… it was about losing everything he’s built.”
Now, with his trial underway, A$AP Rocky faces an uphill battle to clear his name and maintain his freedom. Fans and industry insiders alike are closely watching the case, as the outcome could not only shape the rapper’s future but also serve as a pivotal moment in how high-profile artists navigate legal challenges.