Rapper A$AP Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, appeared in a Los Angeles court on Tuesday (January 21, 2025) to plead not guilty to two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. The charges stem from a November 2021 incident in which he allegedly assaulted former friend A$AP Relli (Terell Ephron).
During the hearing, Deputy District Attorney Paul Przelomiec revealed a plea deal offering 180 days in county jail if Rocky pleaded guilty to one count of assault. The deal also included three years of probation, a seven-year suspended jail term, 480 hours of community service, and a 52-week anger management program. However, Rocky declined the offer, facing the risk of a possible 24-year prison sentence if convicted, with prosecutors seeking a minimum of 10-12 years.
Rocky told Judge Mark S. Arnold, “Yeah, they spoke to me about it in detail, Your Honour. I respectfully decline, thank you.”
The judge emphasized that Rocky’s celebrity status, as both an entertainer and Rihanna’s partner, would neither benefit nor harm him in court. He added, “You are aware that if convicted, you will go into custody and it’s very likely you will get a significant prison sentence?” Rocky replied, “Yes, Your Honour, I’m well aware.”
Defense Claims “Prop Gun” Was Involved
Rocky’s lawyer argued that he was carrying a “prop gun,” not a loaded weapon, on the night in question. The defense also claimed that A$AP Relli fabricated the shooting and his injuries as part of an extortion attempt. They allege the incident stemmed from a dispute over Rocky’s alleged failure to pay for another friend’s funeral.
To support their case, the defense plans to call witnesses, including A$AP Twelvyy (Jamel Da’Shawn Phillips) and a tour manager, both of whom were present during the altercation. They will testify that Rocky often carried a prop gun for protection after experiencing prior violence and home invasions.
Prosecution Criticizes Late Disclosure
Prosecutors criticized the defense for introducing the “fake gun” argument only a day before the trial. Deputy District Attorney John Lewin described it as a “straight ambush,” arguing, “This is not a minor witness account. This is their whole case.”
While the judge declined to exclude the defense witnesses, he noted, “I don’t think it’s fair that you waited this long to disclose the starter pistol if that’s central to your defense.”
The trial will continue, with both sides preparing to present their evidence and arguments.
