LA – The trial of rapper A$AP Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, commenced on Friday in Los Angeles, where he faces two felony assault charges related to a 2021 shooting incident near a Hollywood hotel. If convicted, the Grammy-nominated artist could face up to 24 years in prison.
Prosecutors allege that A$AP Rocky acted as the aggressor, planning to shoot his longtime friend and fellow artist, Terell Ephron, following a disagreement.
Ephron, a childhood friend and member of the A$AP Mob hip-hop collective, testified last year that he was grazed by bullets fired by the rapper.
The incident occurred on November 6, 2021, just a block from Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. Ephron later sought medical care upon returning to New York.
A$AP Rocky, who has pleaded not guilty, denies the allegations. The rapper, also a fashion mogul and partner of global music icon Rihanna, maintains that the claims are untrue.
The case centres on an argument between the two men, who have known each other since their high school days in New York. A jury of 12 was selected earlier this week, with opening arguments kicking off on Friday.
The trial is expected to shed light on the relationship between the two former friends and the events leading to the alleged shooting.