A$AP Rocky pleads not guilty to shooting charges

A$AP Rocky pleads not guilty to shooting charges

In relation to two allegations of armed assault stemming from a shooting in Hollywood in November, Artist A$AP Rocky has entered a not guilty plea.

The actor, real name Rakim Mayers, is accused of pointing the gun during an argument at a former buddy.

He allegedly fired the handgun twice more after that, striking the victim, who was just slightly hurt.

If found guilty, the 33-year-old, who has had two US number one albums, could spend up to nine years behind bars.

On Wednesday, the rapper who gave birth to a child with singer Rihanna appeared in court in Los Angeles.

The star was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport in April, as he returned from a holiday with Rihanna. He was released three hours later – after posting bail of $550,000 (£421,000).

Terell Ephron, who is part of the A$AP Mob hip-hop collective, identified himself as the victim and took legal action against his former friend last week – alleging assault and battery, negligence and emotional distress.

Mr Ephron, known as A$AP Relli, alleged that Mr Mayers had “lured” him to an obscure location in Hollywood to discuss a disagreement.

The lawsuit claims that, after a verbal altercation, Mr Mayers “pulled out a handgun and purposefully pointed it in the direction of [Mr Ephron] and fired multiple shots”.

Mr Ephron was “struck by bullet projectile/fragments” in his left hand and required medical attention, according to the court papers. He is seeking at least $25,000 (£20,750) in damages.

At Wednesday’s hearing, judge Victoria B Wilson put a restraining order in place, ordering Mr Mayers to stay 100 yards (91m) away from Mr Ephron at all times, and set a preliminary trial date of 2 November.

Mr Mayers was previously given a two-year suspended sentence for his role in a brawl in Stockholm in August 2019.

As A$AP Rocky, he was one of the biggest breakout stars of the 2010s, earning eight platinum singles in the US, including Wild For The Night, Everyday, LSD and A$AP Forever.

He rose to fame after being championed by Drake, and has worked with artists including Alicia Keys, Lana Del Rey, Skepta, Selena Gomez and Kendrick Lamar.

Last year, he confirmed he was in a relationship with Rihanna, calling her the “love of my life” and “the one”.

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