Diddy’s Knocking on Joe Tacopina’s Door

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In the early hours of April 22, 2022, A$AP Rocky, born Rakim Mayers, a renowned Harlem rapper aged 33 and popularly known as such, returned to Los Angeles after spending an extended vacation with his famous girlfriend, Rihanna, in her native Barbados. Upon disembarking from a private plane at LAX, the LA Police Department apprehended Mayers and placed him under arrest. He was accused of two felony charges for allegedly discharging two bullets that lightly struck Terrell Ephron, formerly a member of Mayers’ hip-hop collective A$AP Mob, who went by A$AS Relli, during an altercation at a West Hollywood parking garage the previous November. Released on bail, Mayers declined a plea bargain offering six months in prison, preferring instead to contest the charges in court. Facing a potential life-altering sentence of up to 24 years, Mayers enlisted the help of a well-known New York lawyer renowned for defending celebrities and musicians, including Michael Jackson, Foxy Brown, Meek Mill, and members of the Wu-Tang Clan: the esteemed $2,000-hour attorney Joe Tacopina.

Known for his aggressive courtroom tactics, deep Brooklyn accent, and penchant for stylish custom-made suits to fit his imposing frame, Tacopina is widely recognized as one of the country’s toughest and most successful trial lawyers. His notable wins in defense of controversial figures such as Joran van der Sloot, a suspect in the Aruba murder case; Lillo Brancato, an actor from The Sopranos accused of killing a cop; and Kenneth Moreno, a former NYPD officer acquitted of rape, have earned him the nickname “the Devil’s advocate” by the New York Post. Tacopina proudly embraces

In January 2025, the trial for the A$AP Rocky case took place in Los Angeles under Judge Mark Arnold. Unlike many of Tacopina’s legal battles, this one was going to be filmed. Tacopina expressed concerns about the cameras, stating that he had seen how defendants in televised courtroom trials often behave erratically. However, the trial, which was the first high-profile case under L.A.’s new district attorney, Nathan Hochman, turned out to be a four-week spectacle that ultimately showcased Tacopina’s exceptional skills as an attorney. His intense cross-examinations were widely discussed in podcasts and on social media, making him a household name and an unexpected internet sensation. An Australian podcaster, Miss Shorty, even released merchandise dedicated to him, including mugs, t-shirts, hoodies, and leggings, bearing nicknames such as A$AP Joe and Mr. Flexback, which were inspired by the distinct silhouette viewers would recognize from behind on Court TV.

The A$AP Rocky trial in January 2025 was filmed and presided over by Judge Mark Arnold. Tacopina had concerns about the cameras because he’d seen defendants act strangely in televised trials, but it ended up being a four-week showcase of Tacopina’s skills as an attorney. People talked about his intense questioning a lot on podcasts and social media. An Australian podcaster, Miss Shorty, made merchandise like mugs, t-shirts, hoodies, and leggies featuring nicknames for him based on his appearance on Court TV.

The case against Mayers was weak, largely based on vague and awkwardly positioned security camera footage. One clip depicts a struggle, another appears to show Mayers drawing what seems like a gun from his waistband. A nearby Nest camera picked up the sound of two gunshots, pop-pop. LAPD investigators who inspected the parking garage immediately after the incident report found no traces of a shooting, but later on, Ephron presented 9mm bullet casings he asserted to have discovered upon revisiting the scene.

Mayers explained that the firearm he employed was essentially a prop gun, specifically a starter pistol which the rapper had acquired during a music video shoot with Rihanna and had carried for personal security reasons. He admitted firing it to intervene in a dispute between Ephron and another member of A$AP Mob.

Tacopina explains that this case is uncertain, as it’s unclear whether the incident was genuine or staged. Since the prosecution relies heavily on Ephron’s account, Tacopina plans to primarily challenge his credibility. He intends to question the severity of his injuries, dispute his testimony, and scrutinize his motivations.

In a less than credible manner, Ephron presented himself as an unreliable witness during the trial. During the proceedings, jurors listened to a phone call recording where Ephron seemed to discuss with a friend of Mayers’ that he would depart and vanish to some distant island if Mayers paid him $30 million – this being the same amount Ephron and his lawyers were seeking in a separate civil defamation lawsuit against Mayers and Tacopina, filed in 2023. Later on, Ephron claimed the audio was fabricated by an AI. However, Tacopina left no stone unturned. To dismantle the prosecution, he had to expose any inconsistencies or contradictions in Ephron’s testimony during cross-examination.

This happened to be his specialty.

According to Andrew Napolitano, a former judge and frequent commentator on Fox News, this individual has mastered the skill of cross-examination exceptionally well. By making the witness feel intimidated yet keeping the jury’s trust, he has performed brilliantly in his questioning,” says Andrew Napolitano. “He might be the most skilled cross-examiner I’ve ever encountered.

***

In the attorney’s office, there’s a framed picture showing A$AP Rocky along with Tacopina. On A$AP Rocky’s wrist, you can see a pricey gold Patek Philippe watch, valued at around $75,000. As my gaze shifts towards Tacopina’s timepiece, the lawyer gives a smile, revealing his bright, white teeth. He then points out that the expensive-looking green and white Richard Mille Le Mans watch he’s wearing, which sells for almost half a million dollars, is not even close to being comparable.

He considers his watch collection as a rare indulgence in life, something he splurges on occasionally. However, it’s not that he denies himself other luxuries. In fact, he has also invested in several Italian soccer teams over the years, such as AS Roma (his father’s preferred team), Venezia FC, and SPAL since 2021. He was knighted in Venice in 2019 primarily for his contributions to soccer.

Born in Brownsville, Brooklyn in 1966, this individual – a descendant of Italian immigrants – made a remarkable milestone in his life. At that time, the area was characterized by poverty and primarily inhabited by African Americans, much like it is today. However, he recollects feeling as though he was simply a dark-skinned person passing as Black while growing up.

Or:

In 1966, an Italian immigrant’s son was born in Brownsville, Brooklyn – one of the poorest and predominantly African American neighborhoods in New York City at that time. As a child, he didn’t consider himself as anything other than a dark-skinned individual growing up in that area.

At Skidmore College, Tacopina excelled as both captain and enforcer in ice hockey. He still holds the school record for the most time served in the penalty box. Rather than seize the opportunity to play for the AHL affiliate of the New York Islanders, he opted instead to follow a legal path, inspired by his debate coach at the University of Bridgeport (now known as Quinnipiac University).

After completing his studies in 1991, he climbed up the ladder to land at the District Attorney’s office in the Eastern District of New York, working there as a junior prosecutor initially. Later, he chose to defend criminals instead, a role he had aspired for since he was captivated by the true-crime book “Fatal Vision”, written by Joe McGinnis, which recounted the story of a Green Beret accused of murdering his wife and two daughters in 1970.

Initially, I found myself thinking, ‘This man is undoubtedly guilty, he murdered his family.’ Yet, on the following page, my astonishment grew as I realized, ‘It’s inconceivable, but he seems completely innocent.’ In response, I mused, “I want to take this action, yes, this is exactly what I desire.

Initially, most of his clients were NYPD officers. He achieved an early success when he helped secure the acquittal of a police officer involved in the assault and rape case of Haitian immigrant Abner Louima. In a notable case from 2006, when former NYPD commissioner Bernie Kerik was accused of corruption, Tacopina negotiated a lenient plea deal for him, admitting to only two minor offenses. (Kerik, who served jail time for tax fraud later on, sued Tacopina, alleging that he leaked confidential information to federal authorities. Tacopina denied these claims, and the lawsuit was dropped.)

One time, Johnnie Cochran unexpectedly contacted him about a job opportunity. Since Cochran was well-known for his role as defense attorney in the O.J. Simpson murder trial, Tacopina initially thought it might be a prank. However, the offer turned out to be genuine and Cochran served as a mentor. To this very day, Tacopina employs tactics he picked up during his training period with the skilled courtroom performer.

Gradually, due to a series of unexpected victories in court for high-profile clients, Tacopina emerged as a contender seeking to dethrone Cochran from his esteemed position.

I’m known for standing my ground fiercely when it comes to defending my clients, as demonstrated in an almost literal sense on one occasion. As reported by the Daily News, during a 2013 arbitration hearing for my client, Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez who was accused of using performance-enhancing drugs, I had to be physically restrained from engaging in a physical altercation with another lawyer. In my own account of the events, it was the opposing attorney who initially stood up during a heated exchange, and I simply responded in kind, refusing to back down. Despite this incident, it seems to have bolstered rather than tarnished my reputation.

Napolitano mentions that Trump himself once questioned him about who he believed to be the top trial attorney in New York City, and his response was ‘Joe’,” or simply, “According to Napolitano, Trump asked for the best trial lawyer in New York City, and he replied, ‘Joe’.

In 2023, Tacopina became part of Trump’s legal team in a civil lawsuit filed against him by journalist E. Jean Carroll, who alleged that Trump had sexually assaulted her in the mid-1990s. (The verdict found the defendant guilty of sexual abuse and defamation towards Carroll; the judgments are currently under appeal.)

Initially, the attorney was part of Trump’s legal team defending against charges brought by the Manhattan District Attorney regarding the Stormy Daniels hush-money case. However, he garnered attention when he unexpectedly stepped down from the defense team in January 2024, without providing an explanation for his departure.

Tacopina continues to view the Manhattan case that led to 34 felony convictions against Trump as a politically motivated investigation that in his opinion, shouldn’t have taken place. When questioned about his departure, he simply mentions that he was compelled to act according to his moral compass during that time. It was a mix of being unable to fulfill certain demands, not being able to engage in specific legal matters, and dealing with numerous other issues.

In defending Trump, Tacopina isn’t endorsing MAGA ideology any more than he endorses the values of accused murderers and fraudsters while representing them. When asked how he can work with questionable individuals involved in scandals or potential crimes, Tacopina refers to a speech he has delivered titled, “How can you defend those people?” This essentially means that his job as a lawyer is to uphold justice and defend the accused, regardless of their perceived morality or politics.

As a gamer, I’d say: “I’m no lawyer, but even I know that standing up for the underdog shows real courage and principle. The system should be tough on convictions; it shouldn’t be a walk in the park to lock someone away. You, Mr. Prosecutor, want a win here? You’re going to have to earn it. And my role is to make that victory as hard-fought as possible.

***

In the A$AP Rocky case, L.A. County Deputy DA John Lewin found himself facing quite a challenge due to attorney Tacopina’s tactics. It turns out that Tacopina had been communicating with the accusing witness, Ephron, for a year prior to the trial during the preliminary hearing. As there was no jury present, Tacopina didn’t feel the need to come across as sympathetic in his conversations with Ephron. Instead, he openly expressed anger towards Ephron, matching his intensity. “I was just as aggressive as he was,” Tacopina proudly states. “During the trial, my approach was going to be entirely different.

In the fiery opening round, Tacopina had prepared Ephron to behave aggressively throughout the trial itself: “I allowed him to act out all his theatrics. Addressing me as ‘bro,’ using my surname, tossing a water bottle, uttering profanities in court. The judge began reprimanding him, but I remained as composed as a cucumber. Of course, that was part of my strategy, to let the jury witness how unruly he was. To let him bring himself down, with his credibility seemingly fading by each question.

For a few hours straight, Tacopina carefully dismantled Ephron’s narrative, compelling him to admit discrepancies within his statement.

Tacopina persistently probed Ephron regarding his failure to disclose a trip to an L.A. gun range two weeks prior to the shooting, raising questions about whether he might have collected shell casings there, which could later be planted as suggested by the defense at the crime scene (a claim that Ephron firmly rejected as fabrication).

Ephron, clearly agitated, accused the other party of trying to deceive him and avoid mistakes, which led the judge to warn him to be silent. The jury observed this exchange. In the end, Ephron admitted defeat, stating he felt unfairly treated, while Tacopina watched with folded arms.

Larry Pozner, an attorney and lecturer who wrote the influential book “Cross-Examination: Science and Techniques“, remarks that Joe isn’t given the recognition he should have. People tend to perceive Joe based on his physical appearance and deep voice, thinking his cross-examinations are aggressive bullying tactics. However, Pozner explains that what Joe does is actually exceptionally refined cross-examinations. They are sophisticated, meticulously researched, and carefully planned in advance.

Each hour spent in court necessitates a preparation time of 25 hours, asserts Tacopina, reinforcing the tactical label bestowed upon him by his previous client, Meek Mill.

During the trial, it was evident that the prosecutor was unsettled by Tacopina’s strategies, as he seemed to lose his composure multiple times and frequently alleged that Tacopina acted unethically. Yet, Tacopina calmly countered these accusations.

Deputy DA Lewin exclaimed, ‘One more piece of information from him, and we’ll reveal all the details about this case!'” or simply, “Deputy DA Lewin declared, ‘Just one more thing, and we spill all the beans on this case!’

“Ooh, I’m so threatened by you,” said Tacopina, waving his hands in the air.

“You should be, Joe.”

It all made for great TV.

He secluded himself in the courthouse, donned a headset, and reviewed the materials while grooving to the beats of The Smashing Pumpkins and Grateful Dead.

Speaking before the jury took approximately five and a half hours. He made a point to look directly at each juror, as well as the alternates. Towards the end of his speech, when discussing the heartbreaking impact a guilty verdict would have on Mayers’ family – specifically Rihanna and their two young sons who were seated in the front row – he became emotional and found it difficult to maintain his composure.

His words seemed sincere,” he remarked.

Or

Several jurors teared up as well. He could sense his persuasiveness at this moment. Even Judge Arnold found himself affected: “What I heard sounded heartfelt,” he stated.

Or

Several jurors began to cry, too. This was when he felt confident about winning them over. The judge was also moved by it: “To me, his words seemed sincere,” he declared.

Tacopina’s point is: “For something to be powerful, it must be genuine. Faking tears isn’t possible, and I wouldn’t resort to that because it appears insincere.

On February 18th, when the clerk delivered the decision to the judge’s bench, Judge Arnold scrutinized it before requesting the jury to affirm it. Tacopina experienced a sinking feeling. “In my observation,” he stated afterwards, “a jury usually affirms a verdict following a conviction.” For what appeared to be an eternity, Tacopina and Mayers seemed to sway back and forth, standing side by side, as the fate of Mayer’s life was uncertain.

In the end, the clerk announced “not guilty,” causing an outburst of screams. Mayers spun on his heels and appeared to soar as he hurled himself into Rihanna’s embrace. “That might have been the most bizarre experience I’ve ever had in a courtroom,” Tacopina remarked.

Rihanna hugged Tacopina tightly, pressing her wet-eyed cheek against his chest and accidentally leaving traces of her entire Fenty makeup line on his suit. In a joking manner, the lawyer referred to this incident as “the whole shebang.” The pair shared with Tacopina that they plan to name their future child A$AP Joe.

ASAP Rocky acknowledges that the person in question is both a brilliant mind and a compassionate soul. He emphasizes their permanent place within his family circle. In the courtroom, whenever I felt anxious, I’d merely gaze at Joe, drawing strength from his unwavering self-assurance.

***

Following A$AP Rocky’s trial, various troubled celebrities have sought out Tacopina for assistance, hoping he could work wonders. One of these is talk show host Wendy Williams, who in March enlisted Tacopina to handle her case against the guardianship that was imposed on her due to health issues. Tacopina expressed to the media that the situation was a “grievous miscarriage of justice” and stated that “even murderers have more freedom than Wendy.”

After A$AP Rocky’s court case, multiple celebrities in trouble have approached Tacopina for help, hoping he could perform miracles. One such individual is talk show host Wendy Williams who, in March, chose Tacopina to manage her dispute with the guardianship she was given following health complications. Tacopina described the situation as a “serious miscarriage of justice” and said that even murderers have greater liberty than Wendy.)

Moreover, it seems that one celebrity, who is currently facing a great deal of scandal, may be Diddy. His legal team has repeatedly requested renowned lawyer John Tacopina to represent him in the upcoming trial for racketeering and sex trafficking charges in May. However, as Tacopina revealed on the The Breakfast Club podcast in March, he has consistently refused Diddy’s offers due to a longstanding conflict with the defendant and several of his friends, such as Jay-Z, and clients.

However, Diddy’s camp continues to stand firm. As I find myself in his office, Tacopina presents his phone screen displaying another appeal. Am I about to witness another rejection from him this time?

“I’m going to speak to him. I’m not saying yes or no. I’m just going to listen.”

You can find this article in the April 2nd edition of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Consider subscribing for more updates.

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2025-04-04 16:31