A$AP Rocky has turned down a final prosecution plea offer of 180 days in jail and will face the possibility of a guilty verdict and years in prison as jury selection began at his trial on Tuesday.
The Grammy-nominated rapper and partner to pop star Rihanna faces two felony charges related to a 2021 incident in Hollywood where he is accused of allegedly shooting at a former friend and music collaborator during a confrontation.
The rapper, whose legal name is Rakim Mayers, waived his right to appear in person at the trial but his lead attorney Joe Tacopina said in an Instagram video posted on Friday that the rapper will “certainly” be present in the Los Angeles courtroom on Tuesday.
Mayers was charged on Aug. 15, 2022, with two counts of ass@ult with a semi-automatic firearm for allegedly firing a handgun twice in the direction of the alleged victim during a confrontation. He pleaded not guilty and was released on bond after the judge issued an order prohibiting him from having contact with the alleged victim.
If convicted, the New York rapper could face up to 24 years in prison.
According to Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón, whose office is prosecuting this case, the alleged assault with a firearm was against a former friend of Mayers and took place in Hollywood on Nov. 6, 2021.
“Discharging a gun in a public place is a serious offence that could have ended with tragic consequences not only for the person targeted but also for innocent bystanders visiting Hollywood,” Gascón said in the statement announcing the charges.
“My office conducted a thorough review of the evidence in this case and determined that the addition of a special firearm allegation was warranted.”
Terrell Ephron, a former friend of Mayers and a member of A$AP Mob who went by the moniker A$AP Relli, came forward in Aug. 2022 as the victim of the alleged assault.
Ephron filed a civil lawsuit on Aug. 10, 2022, accusing Mayers of assault, battery, inflicting emotional distress and negligence. He claimed that he was “stuck by bullet projectile/fragments” during the alleged assault.
“He was injured physically and mentally,” Ephron’s attorney Jamal Tooson claimed in a phone interview with ABC News at the time.
Court records show that Mayers denied all wrongdoing in his response to the complaint.
Ephron also filed a defamation lawsuit on Sept. 19, 2023, naming Mayers and his legal team, including lead attorney Tacopina. Court documents show that in their answer to the complaint, Mayers and his attorneys denied “each and every allegation” outlined in the suit.
According to court records, both cases are pending.