Rapper A$AP Rocky Charged With Allegedly Assaulting Former Friend
Rapper A$AP Rocky was charged with two counts of assault and “personally using a firearm” on August 15 after allegedly shooting his former friend A$AP Relli late last year.
The 33-year-old rapper is believed to have assaulted A$AP Relli — whose real name is Terell Ephron — with a semi-automatic handgun.
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon released a statement, saying: “Discharging a gun in a public place is a serious offense that could have ended with tragic consequences not only for the person targeted but also for innocent bystanders visiting Hollywood. My office conducted a thorough review of the evidence in this case and determined that the addition of a special firearm allegation was warranted.”
The Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery/Homicide Division is currently investigating the case.
The arraignment of A$AP Rocky — whose real name is Rakim Mayers — has been set for August 17.
On April 20, he was apprehended at the Los Angeles International Airport after arriving on a private plane with his girlfriend Rihanna, fresh from a holiday in Barbados and weeks before the birth of their son.
The assault allegedly took place on November 6 last year. At the time, A$AP Rocky had gotten into a heated argument with the victim. He then reportedly pointed a gun at A$AP Relli and shot twice during the “subsequent confrontation.”
The friend sustained a minor injury and later sought medical aid. The police also said that A$AP Rocky and two other men fled the scene of the crime on foot after the assault.
After being arrested, A$AP Rocky was eventually released upon posting a $550,000 bail.
Last week, A$AP Relli stepped up, claiming that he was the friend who was assaulted by A$AP Rocky. Relli also talked about his plans to file a civil lawsuit against the rapper.
In response, Relli’s lawyers released a statement that read: “Unbeknownst to Mr. Ephron, A$AP Rocky was not just planning for a conversation and came armed with a semi-automatic handgun. After arriving at the location, a conversation ensued whereby without provocation, warning, or any justification, A$AP Rocky produced the handgun and intentionally fired multiple shots at Mr. Ephron.”
As per the court papers, Relli’s left hand was “struck by bullet projectile/fragments” which caused him to seek medical treatment. He is now seeking a minimum of $25,000 (£20,750) in damages.
This isn’t the first time that A$AP Rocky has had trouble with the law. Previously, in August 2019, the rap musician was sentenced to a two-year suspension for taking part in a brawl in Stockholm.
The rapper shot to fame with the help of Canadian rapper Drake. Since then, he has collaborated with other A-list musicians like Selena Gomez, Alicia Keys, Lana Del Rey, Skepta, and Kendrick Lamar. He was a top breakout star of the 2010s. He also earned eight platinum singles in the US that included “Wild For The Night” and “A$AP Forever,” among others.
