Rapper A$AP Rocky faces felony assault charges in Los Angeles as opening statements reveal conflicting claims about a 2021 Hollywood shooting.
Opening Statements Set the Stage for High-Profile Trial
The trial of rapper A$AP Rocky, born Rakim Mayers, started on January 24, 2025, in Los Angeles.
The hip-hop star faces two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. The charges stem from a 2021 altercation with former friend and fellow artist Terell Ephron, known as A$AP Relli.
If convicted, Rocky could serve up to 24 years in prison.
Deputy District Attorney Paul Przelomiec opened the trial by presenting surveillance footage and a 911 call as key evidence. He argued that Rocky fired a gun at Relli during a confrontation outside a Hollywood parking garage on November 6, 2021.
The prosecution portrayed Rocky as the aggressor, emphasizing the deliberate nature of his actions.
Rocky’s defense attorney, Joe Tacopina, disputed the prosecution’s claims. He stated that the gun in question was a “starter pistol,” a prop incapable of firing real bullets.
Tacopina accused Relli of fabricating the story to extort money from Rocky. He cited text messages where Relli mentioned seeking financial gain from the incident.
The altercation reportedly resulted from longstanding tensions between Rocky and Relli, both founding members of the A$AP Collective. Relli testified that he believed Rocky had become “big-headed” due to his success.
He claimed their friendship had deteriorated over time. The prosecution argued that Relli sought to reconcile during the meeting but faced violence instead.
The trial has drawn significant attention due to Rocky’s celebrity status and his relationship with pop icon Rihanna, with whom he shares two children. The case has also sparked discussions about the use of prop weapons and the credibility of witness testimony in high-profile trials.
Defense attorney Joe Tacopina stated, “This case rises or falls on his credibility,” referring to Relli’s testimony.
Deputy District Attorney Paul Przelomiec said, “What will become almost instantly clear is that this is not a complicated case.”
The trial will continue with further testimony and evidence presentation. The defense has requested additional time to examine newly submitted ballistic evidence.
This evidence could potentially challenge their “prop gun” defense.