The trial for star rapper A$AP Rocky, accused of firing a gun at a former friend in a November 2021 incident, commenced in a downtown Los Angeles courtroom on Friday. This high-profile case has captured public attention and marks the culmination of a three-year legal saga.
A$AP Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, is facing two counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm. The charges stem from an alleged altercation between A$AP Rocky and Terell Ephron, who claims to be a childhood friend of the rapper. Ephron alleges that on November 6, 2021, A$AP Rocky pulled a gun on him during a standoff in Hollywood and fired shots that grazed his knuckles in a later confrontation.
A$AP Rocky, 36, has maintained his innocence throughout the legal proceedings. On Tuesday, he declined a plea offer from prosecutors that recommended a seven-year suspended sentence, three years of probation, and 180 days in jail in exchange for a guilty plea. If convicted, the rapper could face up to 24 years in prison.
Joe Tacopina, A$AP Rocky’s attorney, stated in court that the defense plans to call witnesses to testify that the firearm seen on a security video is a “starter pistol” that the artist carried as a prop for security purposes. This strategy had not been aired at pre-trial hearings. The defense aims to portray Ephron as a money seeker, highlighting that he has sued Rocky in civil court, seeking financial damages for the incident.
“He’s the witness that this case will rise and fall on, for sure,” Tacopina said after a recent pre-trial hearing. “Whether he’s a star is something that remains to be seen. There’s jealousy obviously and he’s made that clear. He became a hater. This is in large part about money, money, money.”
The defense and prosecution spoke to more than 100 potential jurors ahead of the three-week trial. Jurors were asked whether they had negative feelings toward hip-hop, guns, or people from New York. They were also questioned about whether A$AP Rocky and his longtime partner Rihanna’s celebrity would affect their judgment.
During the trial, both sides will present their arguments, with the defense focusing on discrediting Ephron’s claims and the prosecution aiming to prove A$AP Rocky’s guilt. The outcome of this trial could have significant implications for the rapper’s future.
The trial has garnered widespread media attention, and the public is closely following the proceedings. The case highlights the challenges faced by celebrities in legal battles and the scrutiny they endure. A$AP Rocky’s legal team is confident in their defense strategy, while the prosecution remains determined to secure a conviction.
As the trial progresses, new evidence and testimonies will shape the jury’s decision. The legal community and fans alike are keen to see how this high-stakes case will unfold.
