Here’s the scoop on the latest with A$AP Rocky. You’ve probably heard about the whole Hollywood assault case he’s been caught up in, but now there’s a major update. The prosecutors offered him a plea deal that would have landed him 180 days in jail. And guess what? He turned it down with a claim that the gun in the security footage was used as a prop.
It’s a pretty bold move by Rakim Mayers aka A$AP Rocky and now, the trial will continue.
Mayers, 36, allegedly pointed a handgun at the victim and fired twice in his direction during a later confrontation in Hollywood on Nov. 6, 2021, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. The victim — fellow artist and childhood friend Terell Ephron, who previously performed as A$AP Relli — testified last year that bullets grazed his knuckles and he decided to seek medical treatment at a hospital after flying back to New York.
Both men were once members of the hip hop collective known as A$AP Mob.
Since being arrested in April 2022, the Grammy-nominated rapper has maintained his innocence. At the time, the Los Angeles Police Department announced his arrest in a statement describing the victim’s injury as “minor.” According to LAPD, the shots were fired in Hollywood near Selma Avenue and Argyle Avenue, just around the corner from the iconic Hollywood and Vine intersection.
The Harlem-born rapper, who first rose to fame with early singles like “Peso” before gaining more mainstream success after his breakout debut album Live. Love. A$AP, was later charged with two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. He has pleaded not guilty, and earlier this month, his attorney told reporters outside a downtown LA courthouse that he would be “vindicated.”
“I want to get this done and over so he can start enjoying his family and move on,” said his lawyer, Joe Tacopina. “We’re going to be quiet and we’re going to try this (case) in a courtroom, and when we do, facts will come out that show that he’s truly innocent and he’s a victim in this case.”
During Tuesday’s hearing, Tacopina said the defense planned to call in witnesses who will testify the gun Mayers allegedly had the night of the shooting was a “starter pistol” which he carried around as a prop for security reasons.
In November, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge M.L. Villar found the case could go to trial, saying there was sufficient evidence for Mayers to stand trial on allegations he shot at his former friend.
So now, it’s looking like A$AP Rocky is ready to face the outcome of the trial. And let me tell you, this case is causing quite the controversy. People are divided on whether or not he should face jail time. No matter what side you’re on, one thing’s for sure – this is going to be one heck of a trial.
