Rakim Mayers, better known as A$AP Rocky, is currently being tried for assault with a firearm.
The case centers around a 2021 confrontation between Rocky and a childhood friend, Terell Relli, who goes by A$AP Relli. Relli claims that he and Rocky had been at odds and met near the W Hotel in Hollywood to settle their difference. However, things escalated when Rocky allegedly drew a gun and fired. “It’s really hard having a relationship with Rocky; he lies a lot,” Relli testified.
Rocky, who is currently dating singer Rihanna, has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which include two felony counts of assault with a firearm. Despite Relli’s testimony, the evidence has been lacking: no gun was found around the scene or on Rocky, and the shell brought in by Relli had no fingerprints of any kind. Seven police officers scoured the scene and found nothing. The only alleged proof of gunfire came from Ephron himself, who produced shell casings after the fact. Besides these shells, there’s no physical evidence that a shooting happened at all.
The defense argues Relli was the aggressor, and Rocky fired a starter pistol to break up a fight between Relli and another member of their crew. Rocky apparently carried the pistol, which only shoots blanks, for security reasons. The 36-year-old rapper could face over 20 years in prison if convicted.
Elin Altamirano, a junior at La Jolla High School, expressed disappointment, saying, “This is definitely unfortunate and sucks that it affects his career negatively.” Altamirano continued by saying, “I also love Rihanna and hope this does not affect her as well.”
Junior from La Jolla High School, Julia Bateman, said, “I love his music; in fact, I was going to go to Rolling Loud just to watch him.” Bateman added. “I think the case could go either way, but hopefully it’s dropped so he can continue his career; it would be a shame if it went to waste.” The rap icon has certainly built a name for himself, but this event may negatively affect his career, and the public is anxiously waiting for the results of this trial.
