Rapper A$AP Rocky's upcoming felony assault trial is still set for later this month in Los Angeles amid the Southern California wildfires, Newsweek can confirm.
Why It Matters
A$AP Rocky, whose legal name is Rakim Mayers, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm after allegedly firing shots at his childhood friend Terell Ephron, also known as rapper A$AP Relli, in November 2021. If convicted on all charges, A$AP Rocky could get up to 24 years in prison.
There are currently four major wildfires—largely uncontained—in Los Angeles and Ventura County. Ten people have so far died and over 153,000 people were under evacuation orders on Friday.
What To Know
Joe Tacopina, the high-profile attorney representing A$AP Rocky, as well as Camille Vasquez, an attorney for A$AP Relli who rose to fame representing Johnny Depp in the Amber Heard defamation case, as well as a spokesperson for the Superior Court of Los Angeles County all told Newsweek that the trial, set to begin on January 21, is still on as scheduled.
This trial has been delayed multiple times, most recently in November to allow A$AP Rocky to headline the Rolling Loud music festival in Thailand.
In May 2024, a trial date was set for October 21, 2024. At the time, A$AP Rocky's lawyer, Sara Caplan, said she was still waiting for the medical records related to A$AP Relli's alleged hospital visit, Rolling Stone reported.
A$AP Rocky was first arrested for the alleged shooting in April 2022. He was released from police custody on a $550,000 bond.
The Context of the Alleged Shooting
Prosecutors presented video evidence and testimony
During a preliminary hearing in November 2021, surveillance video showed a physical altercation allegedly between A$AP Rocky and A$AP Relli, but was inconclusive about the use of a gun as no weapon was recovered. Nearby surveillance recorded sounds resembling gunfire.
A$AP Relli testified the incident was a setup, claiming A$AP Rocky fired multiple shots, grazing his hand. He described escalating tensions following an angry text he sent to Rocky and a subsequent meeting arranged by Rocky, which he alleged turned into an ambush.
Judge M.L. Villar ruled there was enough evidence, including the footage and Relli's testimony, to proceed with charges against A$AP Rocky.
Tacopina said the allegations were an attempt to extort money from A$AP Rocky.
What People Are Saying
Joe Tacopina in court on October 2024 on whether Rihanna, A$AP Rocky's girlfriend with whom he has two children with, will attend the trial: "I almost guarantee not every day."
Tacopina added about A$AP Rocky at the time: "He's eager to get to trial. Having this hanging over his head is not something he wants."
Superior Court Judge Mark S. Arnold in October 2024 on allowing cameras in the courtroom for the trial: "I believe that the public deserves to see what goes on in the courtroom."
What Happens Next
A$AP Rocky has a trial readiness conference scheduled for 11:30 a.m. EST on January 15 at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center to determine if the trial will go forward on January 21.
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