Entertainment
A$AP Rocky charged with assault over shooting in Hollywood
"Firing a gun in a public place is a felony that could have had tragic consequences," said Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón
August 17, 2022 7:25am
Updated: August 17, 2022 8:42am
A$AP Rocky was formally charged with assault with a firearm after the Harlem-born rapper was arrested in April for allegedly shooting a friend during a disagreement in Los Angeles last year, Rolling Stone reported.
On Monday, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced charges of assault with a semi-automatic firearm with allegations of personal use of a firearm, ahead of the rapper's arraignment on Wednesday. Rakim Athelaston Mayers, A$AP Rocky's real name, could face up to nine years in prison if convicted of the crime.
"Firing a gun in a public place is a serious crime that could have ended with tragic consequences not only for the person attacked but also for innocent bystanders visiting Hollywood," Gascón said in a statement. "My office conducted a thorough review of the evidence in this case and determined that adding a special firearm charge was warranted."
The victim, Terell Ephron, also known as A$AP Relli, filed a civil suit against Mayers for the shooting. The longtime friend and former A$AP Mob member claimed that the rapper "lured" him to a dark place in Hollywood to discuss a disagreement.
"Without Mr. Ephron's knowledge, A$AP Rocky was not only planning a conversation and came armed with a semi-automatic handgun," an earlier statement claims. "After arriving at the location, a conversation ensued in which, without provocation, warning or justification, A$AP Rocky pulled out the pistol and intentionally fired several shots at Mr. Ephron."
Mayers was near Ephron and "purposely pointed in the direction" of his former friend, who "was struck by bullet shells/fragments" in his left hand, the lawsuit alleges.
Ephron, who works as a talent manager and producer along with fashion and jewelry companies, claims he suffered physical, mental, and emotional trauma. He is seeking at least $25,000 in damages.
News of the shooting broke in April when Mayers, 33, was arrested shortly after landing at LAX following a trip with his girlfriend Rihanna in her native Barbados weeks before the couple was expecting their first child together. He was quickly released from jail after posting $500,000 bail.
