American-Barbadian rapper A$AP Rocky, born Rakim Mayers, is preparing to face trial over allegations of assault stemming from a 2021 incident involving former friend and collaborator A$AP Relli, born Terell Ephron.
Ephron accuses Mayers of luring him to a secluded area in Hollywood under the pretense of resolving a dispute. Once there, Ephron alleges that Mayers produced a firearm and fired multiple shots in his direction, one of which grazed his hand, causing injury.
The criminal trial is set to begin next week, with jury selection scheduled for January 21, according to Rolling Stone. Prosecutors have indicated plans to present a new plea deal to Mayers ahead of the trial, which is expected to last 15 days.
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However, Mayers’ attorney, Joseph Tacopina, has stated that his client has no intention of accepting any plea agreement.
“From our side, we have no interest in a settlement,” Tacopina told the outlet. “My client has indicated he’s not willing to take anything. But, of course, I am obligated to relay any offers to him, and I will do so.”
Tacopina added that Mayers is eager to share his side of the story. “He’s looking forward to the opportunity to testify if necessary. He’s a good person, and that would become evident if he takes the stand. However, the decision on whether he will testify depends on how the case unfolds.”
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Mayers was first arrested in April 2022 in connection to the incident and has since maintained his innocence. In August 2022, he pleaded not guilty to felony assault with a firearm. By January 2024, he entered additional not guilty pleas to two counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm and one count of personal use of a firearm. If convicted, Mayers could face a sentence exceeding 20 years in prison.
“No one wants to go through something like this, but he’s prepared to see it through,” Tacopina said previously. “He’ll come out stronger because he’s not guilty, and the evidence will prove that. There’s no point in discussing a conviction because the facts will guide this case in the right direction.”
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