Additional Coverage:
Local man Terell Ephron, known as A$AP Relli, testified Tuesday in the assault trial of rapper A$AP Rocky. Ephron claims Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, pulled a gun on him during a 2021 argument.
Ephron told the jury the incident happened quickly. He testified that when he saw the gun, he told Rocky to use it. He stated he was “willing to die for my respect.”
Ephron’s testimony included details about a strained relationship with Rocky, a friendship dating back to high school. He described a phone call the day before the alleged shooting where Rocky spoke negatively about him to another individual.
The following day, Ephron says Rocky contacted him repeatedly, eventually arriving at his Hollywood hotel with two others. It was during this confrontation that Ephron alleges Rocky brandished and fired the weapon, grazing his hand.
Rocky’s lawyer maintains the gun was a movie prop incapable of firing the ammunition found at the scene. Ephron countered, saying he’d never known Rocky to possess any type of gun before.
Testimony will continue Wednesday, and singer Rihanna, Rocky’s partner, is expected to be present in the courtroom.
Rocky faces two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, with a potential maximum sentence of 24 years. He has pleaded not guilty and rejected a plea deal.
His attorney has dismissed Ephron’s claims as an extortion attempt. The trial has already seen testimony from a LAPD officer who responded to the scene.