As we previously reported, rapper A$AP Rocky, was officially charged this week with two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm in connection with a shooting that occurred in Hollywood last November. Rocky, 33, was initially arrested in April and later released on bond in relation to this case.
On Monday, the Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón officially announced the charges, saying A$AP Rocky, real name, Rakim Mayers is facing allegations of personally using a firearm during this altercation with a former friend, Terell Ephron, also known as A$AP Relli. He’s being accused of allegedly pointing a semiautomatic handgun at the victim. During another confrontation later on with this person, he allegedly drew the gun and fired twice in the direction of the victim, according to prosecutors. As a result of the shooting, LAPD said the victim suffered a minor injury from the shooting.
Rocky appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom this Wednesday for arraignment where he pleaded not guilty to charges he shot his former friend – an early member of the A$AP Mob – during a “heated discussion” per @RollingStone. Video taken by @knbc4 even shows Rocky in court with his new lawyer, Sara L. Caplan. She later entered the not guilty plea on her client’s behalf as Rocky only spoke only to agree that his next court date will be Nov. 2.
Rapper ASAP Rocky is arraigned this morning. He is charged with alleged assault with a firearm against a former friend last November. Portion of pool video from KNBC4. @NBCLA #asaprocky pic.twitter.com/6Met5aTgPV
— Rosa Valle-Lopez (@RosaNBCLA) August 17, 2022
RELATED: ASAP Rocky Charged With Felony Assault With A Firearm From November Shooting In Hollywood
Rocky, who remains free on a $550,000 bond, could face up to nine years in prison if convicted as charged. Meanwhile, A$ap Relli, the former Mob member is relieved that the rapper has been charged with two counts of assault with a firearm in the incident he claimed almost ended his life.
Relli’s attorney Jamal Tooson spoke to TMZ, saying that his client initially worried that cops wouldn’t believe his story because Rocky is considered “so powerful in Hollywood” that there were concerns the case would be tossed out with no charges being filed against him. Although he was was not hit by bullets, he says he came within inches of losing his life when their quarrel escalated to gunfire.
RELATED: A$ap Relli Is Reportedly ‘Thrilled’ About A$ap Rocky’s Assault Charges In Alleged LA Shooting
This all unsettling news for Rocky as well since he welcomed his first child with Rihanna earlier this year. The singer has yet to speak out.
A$AP Rocky appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom Wednesday and pleaded not guilty to charges he shot his former friend and A$AP Mob member during a “heated discussion” on a Hollywood street last November.https://t.co/XrLfvsPbZB pic.twitter.com/AUbqubim97
— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) August 17, 2022