Rihana’s ASAP Rocky to face trial for alleged gunshot incident involving childhood friend

Rapper ASAP Rocky, born Rakim Mayers, is gearing up for a trial concerning allegations linked to a shooting incident involving his former childhood friend, Terell Ephron.

The incident, which unfolded two years ago, recently attracted widespread attention following the emergence of a viral video purportedly showing ASAP Rocky discharging a firearm at Ephron.

In the course of the second day of a court hearing, it was affirmed that ASAP Rocky would be facing trial over claims of firing a gun during a dispute with Ephron, resulting in minor injuries. The rapper has pleaded not guilty.

Presently, Rocky is grappling with two felony charges of assault with a firearm, carrying the potential consequence of up to nine years of imprisonment if he is found guilty.

These charges stem from a confrontation between the rapper and Ephron, a former member of the A$AP Mob hip-hop collective, who had known ASAP Rocky since their shared time in a New York high school.

In a parallel legal action, Ephron contends that he is a victim of assault and battery, negligence, and emotional distress. He asserts that ASAP Rocky intentionally lured him to an undisclosed location outside the W Hotel in Hollywood on November 6, 2021, to address a disagreement.

The incident, captured on CCTV, is purportedly depicted in a video circulating on social media showing Rakim brandishing and firing a gun.

However, ASAP Rocky’s legal team vehemently denies that he is the individual portrayed in the video.

ASAP Rocky, currently in a relationship with music icon Rihanna, has ascended to fame in the music industry. The couple shares two children. The rapper gained prominence with backing from artists like Drake and has collaborated with various musicians, including Alicia Keys, Lana Del Rey, Skepta, Selena Gomez, and Kendrick Lamar.