A$AP Rocky charged with assault over November 2021 shooting

Rapper A$AP Rocky has been charged for allegedly firing a gun at former friend and A$AP Mob associate A$AP Relli (Terell Ephron).

Rolling Stone reported last week that the victim filed a civil lawsuit against Mayers over the shooting. The longtime friend and former A$AP Mob member alleged the rapper had “lured” him to an obscure location in Hollywood to discuss a disagreement.

“Unbeknownst to Mr. Ephron, A$AP Rocky was not just planning for a conversation and came armed with a semi-automatic handgun,” an earlier statement alleges. “After arriving at the location, a conversation ensued whereby without provocation, warning, or any justification, A$AP Rocky produced the handgun and intentionally fired multiple shots at Mr. Ephron.”

Mayers was in close range to Ephron and “purposefully pointed it in the direction” of his one-time friend, who “was struck by bullet projectile/fragments” in his left hand, the suit alleges.

The incident took place on November 6, 2021 and Rocky was later arrested at Los Angeles International Airport in April over the shooting after holidaying in Barbados before being charged today. He posted bail at $500,000.

Ephron works as a talent manager and producer alongside fashion and jewellery ventures. He claims he’s suffered physical, mental and emotional injuries, and has received death threats over the situation. He is seeking at least $25,000 in damages.

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced the charges last night: two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm.

“Discharging a gun in a public place is a serious offence that could have ended with tragic consequences not only for the person targeted but also for innocent bystanders visiting Hollywood,” Gascón said in a statement. “My office conducted a thorough review of the evidence in this case and determined that the addition of a special firearm allegation was warranted.”

Relli recently came forward as the alleged victim of the shooting and announced his intentions to sue Rocky. Relli’s lawyers claimed that Rocky produced a firearm and fired multiple shots “without provocation, warning, or any justification.”

Gascón’s statement notes that Rocky allegedly fired twice, with the case now being investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department.

Mayers is due to be arraigned on Wednesday 17 August in Los Angeles, Press Association reports.

Meanwhile, 33-year-old Rocky recently welcomed his first child with the singer Rihanna.