American rapper A$AP Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, is on trial for allegedly shooting his former friend, Terell Ephron, known as A$AP Relli.
On the first day of the trial, Rocky’s legal team claimed the accusations were fueled by jealousy and financial motives, while prosecutors presented video evidence they say proves Rocky fired a gun during a 2021 incident in Hollywood.
Deputy District Attorney Paul Przelomiec, in his opening statement on Friday, relied on surveillance footage and a 911 call. “What will become almost instantly clear is that this is not a complicated case,” he said. He argued the evidence clearly shows Rocky pointing a gun at Ephron.
However, Rocky’s lawyer, Joe Tacopina, dismissed the accusations, claiming Ephron fabricated the story. He described Ephron as someone motivated by “jealousy, lies, and greed.” Tacopina called Ephron “a perjurer and a criminal,” drawing objections from the prosecution.
“This case rises or falls on his credibility,” Tacopina told jurors, arguing that the firearm in question was a starter pistol that fired blanks and was carried by Rocky only for protection.
The prosecution presented video evidence showing a physical altercation near a Hollywood parking garage on November 6, 2021. The footage, though partially obstructed, shows a man in a black hoodie pointing a gun but not firing it.
“The evidence in this case will show that the man in the black sweatshirt is the defendant, Rakim Mayers,” Przelomiec stated, adding that the video evidence was clear and undisputed.
A$AP Rocky has pleaded not guilty to two felony charges of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. If found guilty, the rapper could face up to 24 years in prison.
