A$AP Rocky fired blank shots from a prop gun in an attempt to protect a friend, his lawyer argued on the first day of the rapper’s trial.
The Grammy-nominated artist faces serious accusations of firing a gun at Terell Ephron, a former childhood friend, during an altercation that allegedly took place on the night of November 6, 2021, in Hollywood. Ephron testified that their once-close friendship had deteriorated over time, leading to a feud that came to a head that evening.
Jurors were presented with surveillance videos that prosecutors claimed showed Rocky, whose legal name is Rakim Mayers, firing a gun at Ephron outside a parking garage.
However, Rocky’s attorney, Joe Tacopina, dismissed the videos as inconclusive without the testimony of Ephron. Tacopina argued that Ephron’s account is driven by “jealousy, lies, and greed,” and that the entire case hinges on the credibility of the accuser. “This case rises or falls on his credibility,” Tacopina stated during his opening remarks.
According to Tacopina, the weapon in question was not a real gun but rather a “starter pistol” that fired blanks. He argued that Rocky carried the prop gun for protection, something Ephron was allegedly aware of.
The defense emphasized that no live ammunition was involved and questioned Ephron’s claims about the events. “He knew that gun wasn’t real,” Tacopina said, pointing to Ephron’s behavior during the incident as evidence.
The prosecution’s first piece of evidence was a surveillance video showing a physical altercation involving four men, two of whom were seen grappling while others intervened. In the footage, a man wearing a black hoodie, identified by the prosecution as Rocky, appears to pull out a gun and point it. However, the video does not show any shots being fired. Deputy District Attorney Paul Przelomiec insisted that the evidence was clear and unchallenged, stating, “The man in the black sweatshirt is the defendant, Rakim Mayers.”
Rocky has pleaded not guilty to two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. Przelomiec told jurors that all four men involved in the altercation were once members of the A$AP Collective and long-time friends. He explained that Ephron believed their meeting that night would lead to an argument but ultimately end in reconciliation.
However, according to the prosecution, the dynamic shifted when Rocky pulled out a gun. Despite this, Ephron allegedly continued to pursue Rocky, convinced he would not actually be shot. “In his state of mind, he never believed he was going to be shot,” Przelomiec stated.
In contrast, the defense argued that Ephron was the aggressor in the situation. Tacopina claimed Rocky fired blank shots from his prop gun to protect another member of their crew who was under threat from Ephron. To support this narrative, Tacopina pointed to Ephron’s bloodied knuckles, which he argued were injuries sustained during the scuffle, not from any shooting.
The defense also highlighted that no shell casings or firearms were recovered from the scene by the seven officers who conducted a search that night, undermining the prosecution’s claims of a shooting.
Przelomiec showed jurors a photo of Ephron’s bloody knuckles, suggesting the injuries were connected to the alleged shooting. However, the defense dismissed this evidence as irrelevant to the charges against Rocky.
Tacopina reiterated that no physical evidence supported the claim that a real gun was used or that Ephron was ever in actual danger. He framed Ephron’s account as an exaggeration meant to incriminate Rocky.
The trial also follows Rocky’s decision to reject a plea deal offered by the prosecution. Under the proposed agreement, Rocky would have pleaded guilty to one felony charge and served 180 days in jail. By refusing the deal, Rocky now faces a potential maximum sentence of 24 years in prison if convicted on both counts. This high-stakes decision underscores the seriousness of the trial and the potential consequences for the rapper.
The trial is expected to last approximately three weeks, with both sides presenting evidence and witnesses to support their narratives. Ephron’s testimony will likely be a critical moment in the case, as the prosecution relies heavily on his account to prove their claims. Meanwhile, the defense aims to undermine his credibility and present an alternative explanation for the events of that night.
Beyond the courtroom drama, Rocky’s high-profile personal and professional life has drawn significant public attention to the case. The rapper, who is in a relationship with Rihanna, shares two toddler sons with the global superstar. Rihanna, however, was notably absent from the courtroom during the trial’s opening day.
In addition to his legal challenges, Rocky continues to maintain a prominent presence in the entertainment world. He has been named one of the celebrity chairmen for this year’s Met Gala in May and is set to star in an upcoming Spike Lee-directed film alongside Denzel Washington. These projects underscore his influence and success in the industry, even as he battles serious allegations in court.
The outcome of the trial will likely have significant ramifications for Rocky’s career and public image. While his defense team works to clear his name, the prosecution aims to secure a conviction that could potentially lead to a lengthy prison sentence.
As the trial unfolds, fans, industry insiders, and legal experts alike will be closely watching the proceedings to see how the case against one of hip-hop’s biggest stars plays out.
