Jury selection began Tuesday in the trial of Grammy-nominated rapper A$AP Rocky, who faces two felony charges stemming from a 2021 incident in Hollywood.
The rapper, whose legal name is Rakim Mayers, is accused of firing a handgun twice during a confrontation with a former friend and music collaborator.
Mayers rejected a plea deal offered by prosecutors on Tuesday, according to court confirmations reports.
While he waived his right to appear in person for the trial, his attorney Joe Tacopina stated in a recent Instagram video that Mayers would “certainly” be present in the Los Angeles courtroom.
The charges, filed on August 15, 2022, include two counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm. Mayers has pleaded not guilty and was released on bond under a court order prohibiting contact with the alleged victim. If convicted, he could face up to 24 years in prison.
Tacopina expressed confidence in his client’s innocence, describing the trial as a burden on Mayers, his family, and his two young children. “He’s eager to put this behind him,” Tacopina said. When asked if Rihanna, Mayers’ partner and the mother of their two sons, would attend the trial, Tacopina stated it would be a “family decision” but emphasized her love and support.
The incident, which allegedly occurred on November 6, 2021, involved a confrontation between Mayers and Terrell Ephron, also known as A$AP Relli, a former member of A$AP Mob.
Ephron identified himself as the victim in August 2022, claiming he was struck by bullet fragments during the incident. Ephron has filed a civil lawsuit against Mayers, alleging assault, battery, emotional distress, and negligence.
A separate defamation lawsuit was filed in 2023, accusing Mayers and his legal team of false statements. Both cases remain unresolved.
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón emphasized the seriousness of the charges, citing the potential harm to both the victim and innocent bystanders in the area. Mayers has denied all allegations, and the trial will determine the outcome of the case.
