The assault trial of rapper A$AP Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, began on Friday in Los Angeles. The Grammy-nominated hip-hop artist is facing serious charges related to a 2021 shooting near a Hollywood hotel, where he is accused of firing a gun at his former friend, Terell Ephron. If convicted, Mayers could face up to 24 years in prison for the two felony assault charges.
In the opening statements, prosecutors painted Mayers as the aggressor, claiming that he orchestrated the shooting after a heated argument with Ephron, his childhood friend and fellow artist. The incident occurred on November 6, 2021, just a block from the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Ephron, who had been a part of the A$AP Mob collective with Mayers, testified last year that bullets grazed his knuckles when the rapper fired at him. After the altercation, Ephron sought medical treatment after returning to New York.
Mayers, who also has a successful career as a fashion mogul and is the long-time partner of singer Rihanna, has pleaded not guilty to all charges and denies the allegations. He appeared at the trial in a grey suit, accompanied by family members, though Rihanna, who shares two children with Mayers, was noticeably absent. It’s unclear whether she will attend the trial, as the rapper’s attorney has stated that he has tried to keep his family out of the proceedings.
During the trial’s opening, Deputy District Attorney Paul Przelomiec presented video footage, describing the case as straightforward. The first video shows a confrontation between Mayers and Ephron, with two other individuals stepping in to intervene. Mayers is seen pulling out a gun, though he does not fire. Later footage from the same night captures two gunshots during a scuffle involving the same group.
As the trial continues, both sides will present their evidence, with the video footage expected to play a key role in determining Mayers’ fate.
