A$AP Rocky rejected the prosecution’s final offer to pay 180 days in jail. He faces a guilty plea and several years in prison as jury selection began Tuesday.
The Grammy-nominated rapper and partner of pop star Rihanna faces two felony charges in connection with a 2021 incident in Hollywood for allegedly shooting and killing a former friend and musical collaborator during an argument.
The rapper, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, waived his right to appear in court for his trial, but lead attorney Joe Tacopina said in an Instagram video posted Friday that the rapper would “definitely” appear in court in Los Angeles on Tuesday. Angeles will also be in attendance.
Mayers was charged with two counts of assault with a semi-automatic rifle on Aug. 15, 2022, for allegedly firing a handgun twice in the direction of the alleged victim during an argument. He pleaded not guilty and was released on bail after a judge issued an order banning him from any contact with the alleged victim.
If convicted, the New York rapper faces up to 24 years in prison.
The attack with the firearm was aimed at a former friend of Meyers’ and occurred in Hollywood on Nov. 6, 2021, according to Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón, who is prosecuting the case.
“Discharging a gun in a public place is a serious offence that could have ended with tragic consequences not only for the person targeted but also for innocent bystanders visiting Hollywood,” Gascón said in the statement announcing the charges.
“My office conducted a thorough review of the evidence in this case and determined that the addition of a special firearm allegation was warranted.”
Terrell Ephron, a former friend of Mayers and a member of A$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.
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“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.