Felony Assault Case: A$AP Rocky’s Courtroom Drama Unfolds with Not Guilty Plea
Rapper A$AP Rocky, born Rakim Mayers, has pleaded not guilty to two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. The charges stem from a November 2021 incident in Hollywood, where he allegedly fired a gun at former friend Terell Ephron, known as A$AP Relli. Ephron claims that during a confrontation, Rocky fired multiple shots, one of which grazed his knuckles.
Jury selection for the trial began on January 21, 2025, in Los Angeles. The trial is expected to last approximately three weeks. If convicted, A$AP Rocky could face up to 24 years in prison.
Despite the legal proceedings, A$AP Rocky’s public profile remains significant. He is in a high-profile relationship with singer Rihanna, with whom he shares two young sons. Rocky has been named one of the celebrity chairs of the Met Gala in May and has a major role in an upcoming Spike Lee-directed film alongside Denzel Washington.
The trial has garnered substantial media attention, partly due to Rocky’s celebrity status and his relationship with Rihanna. Superior Court Judge Mark Arnold has allowed media cameras in court for the entire trial after the jury is selected.