by The felony assault trial of rapper A$AP Rocky (Rakim Mayers) has reached submission, with closing arguments completed and the jury now deliberating his fate. The Harlem rapper faces two felony counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm, stemming from an alleged 2021 shooting incident involving former A$AP Mob member Terell Ephron, known as A$AP Relli.
The indictments stem from an altercation that took place in November 2021 in Hollywood. Prosecutors claim that Rocky fired two shots at Ephron during a confrontation, with one bullet reportedly grazing Ephron’s hand. The prosecution has presented Ephron as a victim of an unprovoked attack, arguing that Rocky used a semi-automatic firearm in an act of rage.
Joe Tacopina, who leads the defense, maintains that the accusations are baseless and that the firearm in question was actually a prop gun. Tacopina has argued that Ephron’s allegations are financially motivated, calling him a disgruntled former associate seeking a payout.
On February 13, attorneys presented their final arguments before the jury. Prosecutor John Lewin urged the jury to focus on the facts and not be influenced by Rocky’s celebrity status or the presence of Rihanna and their children in court. He emphasized that Rocky should be held accountable for his actions.
Tacopina countered that Ephron’s testimony was inconsistent and lacked credible evidence. He pointed out that there was no physical firearm recovered and that no forensic evidence directly linked Rocky to firing a real gun.
Rihanna attended the trial on February 13, bringing their two sons, RZA (2½ years old) and Riot (18 months old). During a brief court recess, she was seen whispering to the children to “wish Daddy good luck” before Rocky kissed them goodbye. Prosecutors criticized this as a potential attempt to sway the jury emotionally.
Rihanna later posted a Valentine’s Day tribute on Instagram, sharing a video of her and Rocky in Paris, with the caption, “Get u a valentine that still writes love letters.”
If convicted, Rocky could face up to 24 years in prison. The jury is now deliberating, and a verdict could be announced within days, with significant implications for Rocky’s career and personal life.
