Los Angeles has become the center stage for an intense legal drama as Rakim Mayers, globally known as A$AP Rocky, faces trial for allegedly firing a gun at his childhood friend and fellow artist, Terell Ephron, in 2021. The stakes couldn’t be higher for the Grammy-nominated rapper, as a conviction on the two felony assault charges could lead to a maximum sentence of 24 years in prison.
Prosecution Paints Rocky as the Aggressor
During opening statements on Friday, Deputy District Attorney Paul Przelomiec presented video evidence and described the case as “straightforward.” According to prosecutors, the November 6, 2021, incident occurred after a heated argument between Mayers and Ephron near a Hollywood hotel.
“What will become almost instantly clear is that this is not a complicated case,” Przelomiec told the jury. He alleged that Mayers orchestrated a plan to shoot Ephron, who has been his friend since their high school days in New York. Ephron testified that bullets grazed his knuckles during the altercation.
Adding weight to the prosecution’s case, text messages exchanged after the incident were shown to the jury.
“U try killing me,” Ephron wrote. Mayers reportedly responded, “wtf iz ut talking about.”
Defense Claims Extortion and a Prop Gun
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Mayers’ legal team, led by attorney Joe Tacopina, offered a starkly different narrative. Tacopina argued that the gun in question was a starter pistol, a non-lethal prop recommended by the rapper’s security team for protection. He dismissed Ephron’s accusations as a “clear attempt at extortion.”
“This case is about one man’s jealousy, which lies in green,” Tacopina asserted. “This is all about money. Period, end of story.”
The defense also highlighted inconsistencies in Ephron’s actions following the alleged shooting. Ephron delayed reporting the incident to police for two days and returned to the scene to retrieve shell casings himself—a point the defense plans to scrutinize.
Key Evidence and Contentious Testimony
Authorities found no shell casings or ballistic evidence when initially investigating the scene. However, Ephron later presented two casings he claimed to have discovered. The defense contends that this raises questions about the reliability of Ephron’s testimony.
“He’s the witness that this case will rise and fall on,”
Tacopina emphasized to the jury, underscoring the trial’s reliance on Ephron’s credibility.
The trial’s outcome could hinge on the video evidence. Footage presented by prosecutors shows a confrontation between two men, with Mayers allegedly pulling a gun. While one video depicts him brandishing the weapon, another captures gunfire moments later. Przelomiec claimed that Ephron taunted Mayers, saying, “If you brought a gun, then you should shoot.” Moments after, the shots were allegedly fired.
A Career on the Line
The trial arrives at a pivotal moment for Mayers, who continues to be a prominent figure in music, fashion, and entertainment. He is slated to co-chair the 2025 Met Gala alongside icons such as Anna Wintour, Pharrell Williams, and LeBron James. Additionally, he is set to star in Spike Lee’s upcoming film, Highest 2 Lowest, alongside Denzel Washington.
Mayers, dressed sharply in a grey suit, attended court with family members, though his longtime partner, Rihanna, was absent. The couple shares two children, and according to his attorney, Mayers has made efforts to shield his family from the trial’s turbulence.
Credit: abcnews.com
Past Legal Troubles
This isn’t the rapper’s first brush with the law. In 2019, he received a two-year suspended sentence following a brawl in Stockholm, Sweden. The case attracted international attention, with former U.S. President Donald Trump unsuccessfully lobbying for his release.
Born in Harlem, Mayers skyrocketed to fame in the 2010s with hits like “Wild For The Night,” “LSD,” and “A$AP Forever.” His collaborations with artists such as Drake, Alicia Keys, and Kendrick Lamar cemented his status as a global star.
The trial, expected to last three weeks, will see Ephron take the stand as a key witness. For fans and observers, the courtroom drama is a high-stakes chapter in A$AP Rocky’s life and career.
As the case unfolds, it raises questions about trust, loyalty, and the consequences of fame. Regardless of the outcome, the trial will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the hip-hop community and Mayers’ legacy.
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