A$AP Rocky’s Assault Trial Begins: Opening Statements Heard in Los Angeles

The high-profile trial of rapper A$AP Rocky, born Rakim Mayers, commenced in Los Angeles on Friday. The artist faces two felony assault charges stemming from a 2021 shooting incident near a Hollywood hotel. If convicted, he could face up to 24 years in prison.

The incident, which occurred on November 6, 2021, involves Terell Ephron, a fellow artist, childhood friend, and former member of the A$AP Mob hip-hop collective. Prosecutors allege that a heated argument between the two escalated, with Mayers pulling out a firearm in a threatening manner before firing twice in Ephron’s direction. Ephron sustained minor injuries, claiming bullets grazed his knuckles, leading him to seek medical treatment after returning to New York.

Mayers, however, has pleaded not guilty, maintaining that the weapon involved was a “prop gun” incapable of firing live ammunition. His defense team has questioned the validity of the evidence and the delay in Ephron’s reporting of the incident.

A jury comprising seven women and five men was selected earlier this week. The trial is expected to last approximately three weeks, during which both sides will present evidence and testimonies to support their claims.

Mayers’ attorneys have raised concerns about the investigation, arguing that Ephron waited two days to report the incident and returned to the scene himself to gather shell casings, which he later presented to the police. Authorities reportedly found no shell casings or the alleged firearm at the scene during their initial investigation.

Additionally, the defense has cast doubt on the nature of Ephron’s injury, suggesting it could have been caused by a punch rather than gunfire.

This trial comes at a pivotal time for the Grammy-nominated rapper and fashion mogul, who has two children with global superstar Rihanna. In May, he is set to co-chair the 2025 Met Gala alongside Anna Wintour, Pharrell Williams, LeBron James, and Lewis Hamilton. He is also scheduled to appear in Spike Lee’s upcoming film Highest 2 Lowest with Denzel Washington.

Mayers previously faced legal trouble in 2019, receiving a two-year suspended sentence for his involvement in a street brawl in Stockholm.

As opening statements begin, the trial marks a significant moment in A$AP Rocky’s career and personal life. His attorney, Joe Tacopina, emphasized the need to resolve the case swiftly. “It’s been something that’s been hanging over Rocky’s head, and Rihanna’s and their family’s heads, for a while. We’re ready to get this behind him,” Tacopina said.