What Was the Impact of Rihanna’s Appearance at A$AP Rocky’s Trial?
Public relations is the management of one’s relationship with various publics, including the media, the courts, customers, clients and, for celebrities, fans. The public is impacted as much by what leaders say as they are by what leaders do.
Her sheer presence humanized Rocky, born Rakim Mayers, and situated him in the context of family. While many didn’t expect Rihanna to attend the trial, her decision to do so undoubtedly helped her partner. This is significant because many Black men are dehumanized and taken outside of the context of family. Should they face criminal proceedings, there is very little public dialogue around who they are and the impact of their confinement on families and communities.
Rihanna’s Courtroom Presence
Without saying a word, Rihanna communicated that A$AP Rocky was a family man, deserving of a not only a fair trial, but a second chance. Given her profound love for him, we’re told nothing could have kept her from the proceedings. The couple’s two kids were present on the last day of the trial, allowing the court to appreciate their youth, and desperate need for their father.
Rocky was ultimately found not guilty on two charges and acquitted of others. Once the verdict was read, A$AP sprang into his partner’s arms in a heartwarming and relatable gesture. Who wouldn’t celebrate when they were facing decades behind bars?
A number of factors worked in Rocky’s favor, not the least of which was the credibility of the plaintiff. However, it is hard to believe that Rihanna and the couple’s kids’ presence didn’t influence the outcome of the legal proceedings as well. We’re not suggesting the court did anything untoward. We’re simply saying jurors had to have been moved by Rocky’s family’s presence – including his mother and sister – over the three-week trial.
Privilege and Power
To be fair, Rocky and Rihanna have a level of privilege that the average people don’t enjoy. He is a hip-hop superstar and beloved artist. She is a cultural icon, beauty mogul and singer. The average person on trial wouldn’t enjoy the same benefits if their non-wealthy partner and kids showed up to their court hearings.
The National Institute of Justice reported that 1 in 15 Black men ages 18 or older will be incarcerated, and 1 in 9 Black men ages 20-34 will be incarcerated. Most jurors won’t be positively impacted by seeing a person’s partner in court. And I would wager to guess that many courts would be annoyed if children attended court proceedings.
Rihanna’s presence boded well for A$AP. And that is largely because of who she is in the world; her privilege and social capital are without question.
Some may not know how to describe power, but I would argue that we know it when we see it. When the public, including jurors, saw Rihanna, they undoubtedly saw power and strength.
Jayla Smith is a media relations associate for Spotlight PR LLC. Be sure to check out other blogs and subscribe for regular communications updates.