SAN JOSE, CALIF. – Students here at Silver Creek High School are asked their opinions on the recent trial against famous rapper, A$AP Rocky and his former friend.
SAN JOSE, CALIF. – Students here at Silver Creek High School are asked their opinions on the recent trial against famous rapper, A$AP Rocky and his former friend.
In November of 2021, A$AP Rocky, also known as Rakim Mayers, a well-known rapper and star, allegedly shot Terell Ephron – also known as A$AP Relli – a former friend of his. It wasn’t until January 24th of this year that Ephron filed a lawsuit against Mayers and sued him for 30 million dollars. Mayers was being charged with two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, which could grant him 24 years in prison.
This semi automatic firearm was never found, Ephron was never wounded and Mayers claims the firearm was a ‘Prop Gun’. Mayers was later found not guilty.
A public form was sent out to the student body about what they think really happened, there were 3 questions asked: Do you think A$AP Rocky is innocent? Do you think since he is a very famous rapper, this contributed to the results of his trial? and Do you think Terell Ephron (aka A$AP Relli) made the allegations resurface for clout? As a result, there were a total of 68 responses back.
The most controversial questions out of the three was whether or not Mayers public status contributed to the result of the trial. About 60% of students claimed, no it was not a contributing factor and about 40% of students claimed, yes it was. We asked Giselle Leon and Natalia Niebles, students here at Silver Creek High School, why they chose the vote they casted.
“I said no because since it’s a whole court case, the judge can not be biased based on A$AP Rocky’s celebrity status. Also, the trial outcome is based on evidence, legal arguments, and judicial process.” says Leon.
When a judge shows favoritism solely based on celebrity status it can be deemed as unfair to the opposing party. Favoritism can undermine our legal systems and deem it as unjust rather than what it intends to be, fairness and protection of human rights.
As for Niebles, she believes, “A$AP Rocky’s fame brought widespread media coverage to his trial, which could have influenced public opinion and legal proceedings. His celebrity status also could have led to different treatment compared to an ordinary person.” People could speculate that special treatment could have been provided to secure Mayers’ public image. Niebles’ concerns highlight how favoritism can be dangerous and how it’s crucial to treat both parties equally regardless of status.
Categories: Op-Ed
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