Rapper A$AP Rocky will stand trial on charges that he assaulted his former friend, A$AP Relli with a firearm in 2021, a Los Angeles judge has ruled.
The decision was made on Monday during the second day of a preliminary hearing, which was attended by A$AP Rocky, real name Rakim Mayers. Prosecutors say Mr Mayers, 35, pointed and fired a handgun at A$AP Relli whose real name is Terell Ephron, causing minor injuries. The rapper, who has two children with Rihanna has previously pleaded not guilty to the charges.
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Relli who was part of the A$AP Mob hip-hop mob has known the rapper since their time together at a New York high school, alleges separately in a lawsuit that he is the victim of assault and battery, negligence and emotional distress. A$AP Relli, claims Rocky “lured” him to an obscure location outside the W Hotel in Hollywood, Los Angeles, on 6 November 2021 to discuss a disagreement. CCTV footage of the alleged assault that was played in court allegedly shows Rocky brandishing and firing a gun, an LA detective testified earlier this month.
Rocky’s lawyers deny that it is their client who is seen in the video holding and firing the gun.
Superior Court Judge ML Villar only had to decide whether there was sufficient evidence for the case to go forward, not whether a crime had been committed. The burden of proof is significantly lower for preliminary hearings like these.
Relli is also suing Rocky, claiming that after a verbal altercation Mr Mayers “pulled out a handgun and purposefully pointed it in the direction of him and fired multiple shots”.
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Mr Ephron was “struck by bullet projectile/fragments” in his left hand and required medical attention, according to the court papers. He is seeking at least $25,000 (£20,000) in damages and up to 9 years in prison if found guilty.