A$AP Rocky rejects second plea deal in gun case, claims weapon was a prop

Rapper A$AP Rocky, real name Rakim Mayers, has rejected a second plea deal in his criminal trial for allegedly shooting his former friend, Terell Ephron, known as A$AP Relli.

His lawyer, Joe Tacopina, argued that the firearm involved was a “prop gun,” used in movies, dismissing the prosecution’s case as “fundamentally weak.”

The proposed deal would have had Rocky plead guilty to one felony assault charge, resulting in a seven-year suspended sentence, 180 days in jail, and three years of probation, while a second felony charge would be dropped. Tacopina turned down the offer, maintaining that his client “did not commit a crime.”

The trial began Tuesday in Los Angeles, with jury selection from a pool of over 100 prospective jurors. Rocky appeared in court wearing a polished ensemble that reinforced his reputation as a style icon, but the spotlight quickly shifted to the legal proceedings.

Rocky is accused of pointing a firearm at Ephron during a heated argument in November 2021 and firing two shots, injuring Ephron’s hand. Prosecutors have presented surveillance footage and testimony to support their case. However, Tacopina has called the evidence inconclusive and questioned the validity of the shooting claims.

Rocky faces two felony charges of assault with a semiautomatic firearm and could face up to 24 years in prison if convicted. He has pleaded not guilty and remains free on $550,000 bail.

Ephron has also filed a civil assault and battery lawsuit against Rocky, which is on hold pending the trial’s outcome.