Rapper A$AP Rocky has been charged with two counts of felony assault with a semiautomatic firearm for his alleged role in the shooting of former A$AP Mob member A$AP Relli in central Hollywood last year, multiple sources have reported. Los Angeles County district attorney George Gascón announced the charges in a news release.
“Discharging a gun in a public place is a serious offense that could have ended with tragic consequences not only for the person targeted but also for innocent bystanders visiting Hollywood,” Gascón said. “My office conducted a thorough review of the evidence in this case and determined that the addition of a special firearm allegation was warranted.”
The Los Angeles Police Department has described the Nov. 6 incident as “an argument between two acquaintances” that resulted in “the suspect firing a handgun at the victim,” who sustained a minor injury. The 33-year-old reportedly then fled the scene with two others.
Early this month, A$AP Relli, born Terell Ephron, confirmed that he was indeed the shooting victim and filed a suit against the “Good for You” rapper, accusing him of assault and battery. At the time of the incident, Relli stated that he agreed to meet with Rocky to resolve a disagreement. However, upon their gathering, the “Praise the Lord” rapper was accompanied by two men.
In a statement to Rolling Stone, Relli’s attorneys Jamal Tooson and Brian Hurwitz said, “Unbeknownst to Mr. Ephron, ASAP Rocky was not just planning for a conversation and came armed with a semi-automatic handgun. After arriving at the location, a conversation ensued whereby without provocation, warning, or any justification, ASAP Rocky produced the handgun and intentionally fired multiple shots at Mr. Ephron.”
The “F–king Problem” rapper, born Rakim Athelaston Mayers, allegedly fired three to four shots at the accuser, who “believed one of the bullets grazed his left hand.” Relli’s lawyer claimed that the entire incident was caught on surveillance. Furthermore, their client has also received “multiple death threats and irreparable harm to his career in the entertainment industry as a result of this incident.”
Rocky was arrested on April 20 at Los Angeles International Airport for his connection to the incident, shortly after returning from vacation in Barbados with his girlfriend Rihanna. He was detained and later released after posting a $550,000 bond.
The star has not publicly responded to the charges or forthcoming lawsuit. His arraignment is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 17, and the investigation is still ongoing.
