A$AP Rocky has formally entered a not-guilty plea associated to 2 felony expenses of assault with a semi-automatic firearm.
The plea, which was entered in a Los Angeles, CA courtroom on Monday (January 8) throughout his arraignment, was obligatory as a result of a decide dominated that there was sufficient proof to warrant a trial primarily based on an alleged 2021 shootout after he’d gotten into an argument with fellow A$AP Mob member A$AP Relli.
Rocky’s lawyer, Joe Tacopina — who can also be at the moment defending Donald Trump in New York, for expenses referring to the ex-president’s alleged falsifying of enterprise paperwork — advised Rolling Stone that his shopper is “assured” he’ll be vindicated.
Tacopina additionally stated that the “Reward the Lord” rapper (actual identify Rakim Mayers) is wanting ahead to getting house to his household, together with the 2 kids he shares with Rihanna.
“He’s a really robust character, a really robust particular person,” Tacopina stated.
Rocky is accused of taking pictures at former pal A$AP Relli throughout a “heated argument” in Hollywood in 2021. In keeping with Relli, tensions between the 2 ignited after Rocky allegedly promised to assist the household of a deceased member of the A$AP Mob, however by no means did.
Throughout a gathering in a Los Angeles resort again in 2021, Relli claims A$AP Rocky arrived with a number of males, pointed a gun at his abdomen, and stated: “I’ll kill you proper now.”
He then testified that he was shot shortly afterward and claims Rocky shot him 4 occasions — together with as soon as within the hand — earlier than fleeing the scene.
Again in November, an LAPD detective testified that Rocky did fireplace a pair of photographs at Relli (born Tyrell Ephron) in November 2021.
Safety footage pieced collectively from close by Los Angeles BLVD parking garages appeared to indicate a firearm in A$AP Rocky’s possession whereas moving into an altercation after which scurrying alongside to flee across the block by himself.
The primary clips had been muted whereas the ultimate video proven in court docket included sound as two gunshot pops could be heard within the space round 10 p.m. PT on November 6, 2021, which aligns with the prosecutor’s information.
A$AP Rocky Pleads Not Responsible To Felony Firearms Costs
Rocky’s lawyer, Joe Tacopina, grilled the detective in a cross-examination the place the detective admitted that “nothing definitively” reveals Rocky firing the photographs.
The LAPD additionally by no means recovered the gun in query and the bullet shell casings didn’t have fingerprints linked to the Harlem rapper.
Ephron can also be suing A$AP Rocky and his lawyer Joe Tacopina for defamation, alleging the lawyer of launching a media marketing campaign towards him that paints him as a liar.
The A$AP Mob co-founder may withstand 9 years in jail if convicted as charged.
