Rapper, born Rakim Mayers, is currently on trial in Los Angeles, facing two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. The charges stem from a November 2021 incident where he allegedly fired a gun at his former friend and collaborator, Terell Ephron.
The altercation reportedly occurred near a Hollywood hotel following disputes within the A$AP Mob collective, including disagreements over funeral expenses for a mutual friend. Surveillance footage presented in court shows Rocky holding a firearm during the confrontation; however, the actual shooting was not captured on video.
Prosecutors argue that Rocky intentionally fired at Ephron, presenting evidence such as surveillance videos and witness testimonies to support their case. They assert that the shooting resulted in minor injuries to Ephron's hand.
Rocky's defense attorney, Joe Tacopina, contends that the firearm was a prop gun intended to deter potential attackers and that Ephron's injuries were fabricated to support a civil lawsuit. The defense portrays Ephron as a jealous rival motivated by financial gain.
The trial commenced with jury selection, and opening statements began on January 24, 2025. Rocky has pleaded not guilty and declined a plea deal that would have resulted in a six-month jail sentence, opting instead to contest the charges in court. If convicted, he faces up to 24 years in prison.
The proceedings have included heated exchanges between the prosecution and defense, particularly regarding the nature of the firearm and the credibility of Ephron's testimony. The trial is expected to last approximately three weeks, with both sides presenting evidence and witness accounts to support their arguments.
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