ASAP Rocky on Trial: What to know

Celebrity music artist and fashion icon, ASAP Rocky faces a different kind of attention–the courtroom. As he stands trial for allegedly firing a gun at a former friend, this case goes beyond a rap feud, raising critical questions about self-defense and the thin line between protection and prosecution.

Rakim Mayers, known as ASAP Rocky, and Terell Ephron, known as ASAP Relli, met in high school in Harlem, New York, where they were both part of the ASAP collective (Always Strive and Prosper).

As ASAP Rocky acquired millions of fans around the world, the relationship between Rocky and Relli became strained. Thus, on the night of November 6th 2021, prosecutors said that Relli and Rocky briefly argued before parties separated. Then, the confrontation escalated as Rocky pulled a gun from his waistband as Relli attempted to hide behind another member of ASAP, ASAP Illz (Illijah Ulanger). According to the prosecution, Rocky fired a gun at him 3-4 times causing his knuckles to be grazed.

Relli, two days later, brought shell casings he had picked up himself from the scene to his local police station, even after police had previously searched the scene. This can be seen through the testimony of Sgt. Thomas Zizzo as the jury witnesses his body camera footage thoroughly searching the area and remarking on the lack of physical evidence at the scene, indicating it was difficult to determine whether or not a crime had taken place there. 

Rocky was charged with two felony counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm due to this altercation. He pleaded not guilty and turned down a plea offer of a six-month jail term with a seven-year suspended sentence and three years of probation and opted to not testify during the case. The criminal trial began on January 24, 2025 where if convicted of both charges, Rocky faced up to 24 years in prison. 

ASAP Relli’s testimony made up the bulk of the prosecution’s case. Evidence from one surveillance camera captured the sound of gunshots, while another partially recorded a struggle right before the shooting. A third video showed the incident itself, but the footage was limited, blurry, and not entirely clear. Jurors also reviewed text messages that Relli sent to Rocky and others before and after the event. In these messages, Relli, who has also filed a lawsuit, expressed that he was more interested in receiving payment than in having Rocky face prosecution.

The defense accused Relli of fabricating evidence, committing perjury and attempting to extort Rocky, saying the rapper had a prop gun that only fired blanks which he carried around for security. Tacopina, Rocky’s defense attorney, told jurors that Relli is a “pathological liar” and attempted to fabricate evidence to carry out the case. 

One of the defense witnesses testified to seeing Rocky with a starter pistol, which only fired blanks, on three occasions. ASAP Twelvyy, another member of the ASAP collective, stated that the rapper carried a fake gun for safety. However, in California, carrying a fake gun in public can still be illegal if used to intimidate others. This raises questions about whether the felony charges could still apply despite the absence of a real firearm. 

One of the central questions in the case was whether ASAP Rocky acted in self-defense or if displaying a firearm—whether real or a starter pistol—constituted an unlawful assault. California’s strict gun laws played a key role, as even brandishing a fake weapon can be considered a criminal act. This case highlights the broader debate surrounding self-defense laws, particularly in states with strict regulations on firearm use. Rocky’s defense team argued that he carried a fake gun for protection, underscoring how gun ownership, even in non-lethal forms, is often perceived differently based on context and identity. This raises concerns about who is legally afforded the right to self-defense and how these laws disproportionately impact certain communities.

Additionally, an unusual aspect of this case was the lack of professionalism displayed by several individuals involved. Deputy District Attorney John Lewin joined the prosecution, and it was evident that he would clash with Rocky’s equally combative attorney, Joe Tacopina. Superior Court Judge Mark Arnold was forced to mediate between the two as their heated exchanges created a tense and hostile courtroom environment, ultimately leading the judge to threaten financial penalties. 

Prosecutors also questioned, ASAP Twelvyy, about a photograph showing Mr. Mayers's bed with the letters "AWGE" displayed on the furniture. When asked what the letters stood for, Rocky suddenly interrupted the proceedings, shouting, "Don't say!" As a result, Twelvyy then declined to answer. While rare, such outbursts from a defendant—especially in front of a jury—can influence courtroom proceedings.

Ultimately, it took the jury of seven women and five men roughly three hours to decide the case, finding Rocky not guilty of the two felonies. As the not-guilty verdict was read, an emotional Rocky leaped to embrace his partner Rihanna marking the trial’s conclusion.

Image Source: LA Times