A$AP Rocky’s upcoming trial has garnered attention not only because of his fame, but also due to the high-profile accusations made by his former friend, Relli, born Terell Ephron. Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Athelaston Mayers, faces two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm after allegedly firing a gun at Relli during an incident on 6 November, 2021.
As the trial begins with opening statements on Friday, the defence plans to portray Ephron as a money-driven individual, highlighting the fact that he has also sued Rocky in civil court for financial damages related to the incident. Rocky’s lead attorney, Joe Tacopina, has suggested that Ephron’s motivations are rooted in jealousy and a desire for financial gain, framing the case as largely about “money, money, money.”
The case hinges heavily on Ephron’s testimony, which the prosecution is relying on. The defence, however, intends to challenge the credibility of Ephron’s account by pointing out inconsistencies and flaws in the evidence. One key point is the security footage that shows a firearm, which the defence argues is a starter pistol that Rocky used for security purposes. The defence also plans to highlight the fact that police found no shell casings at the scene, despite a thorough search. Ephron, however, later presented 9 mm shell casings to the police, which had no fingerprints on them—a point the defence will seize on.
In addition to Ephron, the prosecution is expected to rely on the testimony of the police and surveillance video to support their case. The video shows a hooded figure holding what appears to be a gun, which the prosecution claims is Rocky. However, there are also images showing the same individual without a gun, complicating the evidence.
Despite the serious charges, Rocky has rejected a plea deal from prosecutors that would have resulted in a relatively light sentence of 180 days in jail, probation, and a seven-year suspended sentence. If convicted, Rocky could face up to 24 years in prison.
Rocky’s personal life has also been a point of interest in the trial, with his partner, Rihanna, and their children often mentioned in the media. Although Tacopina indicated that Rihanna is unlikely to attend the trial, her name came up frequently during jury selection, with several prospective jurors expressing their admiration for her.
As the trial unfolds, all eyes will be on both the legal proceedings and the impact a potential conviction could have on Rocky’s career, which includes upcoming projects such as a starring role in a Spike Lee film and his involvement in the Met Gala. Whether or not Rocky will testify himself remains uncertain, but the outcome of the trial could significantly shape his future.