Witness Claims Alleged Victim “Fired a Fake Pistol”

The Key Defense Witness Testifies

The key defense witness at the court for A$AP Rocky showed that the alleged victim was mocking the rapper to “shoot at this fake pistol.”

Details of the Trial and Charges

A$AP Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, is facing trial in Los Angeles on two counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm. The allegations stem from an incident in November 2021, in which he is accused of pulling out a gun and shooting at his former friend, A$AP Mob collaborator A$AP Relli, AKA Terell Ephron. If convicted, Mayers could face up to 24 years in prison.

The court proceedings commenced on January 24, with prosecutors asserting that in eight days of evidence, Mayers pointed a pistol at Ephron and shot, leading to injuries to Ephron’s knuckles.

Mayers did not plead guilty, and on Friday (February 7), the defense called A$AP Twelvy, whose real name is Jamel Phillips, as a witness. Phillips claimed that both he and Ephron were aware that the pistol in question was a starter gun that could not shoot live ammunition.

As reported by Katya Stone, Phillips stated in court: “(Relli) told him to shoot this false gun.”

During his own testimony, Ephron claimed that he never accused Rocky of using a fake pistol, repeatedly asserting that he believed the gun was real and that a live bullet had fallen out.

Phillips’ testimony included statements that he witnessed Rocky carry a starter gun multiple times before the November 2021 incident, believing that he did so after becoming a victim of crimes.

Defense Arguments and Witnesses

Rocky’s lawyers argued that he issued “two warnings” to deescalate the situation and asserted that Relli’s accusations were based on lies orchestrated for financial gain.

“This is a case of one person’s lie, jealousy, and greed,” said Rocky’s attorney Joseph Takopin, labeling Relli as “the source of all evidence.” He added, “Ladies and gentlemen, this case is all about money. The evidence will show that this is nothing but a money grab.”

During the trial, Rocky’s partner Rihanna was present in court, making her first appearance on January 29. BBC News reported that during jury selection, prosecutors questioned whether the presence of the pop star would affect the jurors’ ability to render a fair verdict. While some jurors were fans of the singer, they all affirmed that her presence would not influence their decision.