Rapper A$AP Rocky is facing trial for a shooting incident that took place in 2021. He is accused of firing three or four shots at former collaborator A$AP Relli aka Terell Ephron during a fight that took place in Hollywood three years ago. Rocky has pleaded not guilty, with his attorney claiming that the rapper did not shoot anyone and accusing Ephron of extortion.
In a startling revelation during the first court proceeding Friday, Rocky’s defense attorney Joseph Tacopina said that his client did indeed pull the trigger on the firearm he was carrying that night. However, the gun in question was a prop gun that Rocky fired twice to break up an alleged scuffle between Ephron and A$AP Illz, another member of their A$AP Mob collective. He said Relli had “attacked” Ulanger.
“Rocky fired that prop gun, that starter gun, that makes a sound just like a real gun,” Tacopina told the jury. “He fired it twice, hoping the sound would be enough to scare off Relli and protect Illz.”
The defense argued that Rocky had been carrying a starter gun for protection due to previous violence and stalking attempts he’d experienced. Additionally, it was revealed that the gun in Rocky’s hands that night was a prop from the set of his superstar partner Rihanna’s music video he filmed in July 2021. The “Work” singer, with whom Rocky shares two young sons, did not accompany him during the trial – reportedly at his behest – to avoid more spotlight.
If convicted, the “L$D” rapper could face up to 24 years in prison. However, the 36 year old and his legal team appear optimistic of his defense position, having rejected a plea deal from the prosecutors early on.