A$AP Rocky has pleaded not guilty to allegations he fired a gun at his former childhood friend in 2021.
The “Praise the Lord” hitmaker — whose real name is Rakim Mayers — allegedly fired a handgun at Terell Ephron, who is also known as A$AP Relli, causing minor injuries. Rocky pleaded not guilty to two felony counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm in a court hearing on Jan. 8.
The next hearing is due to take place on March 6, and a trial must take place within 45 days of that date.
Outside of the re-arraignment, Rocky’s defense lawyer Joe Tacopina insisted his client is “cool as a cucumber” ahead of the next hearing.
“He’s a very strong character, a very strong individual,” he said, according to Rolling Stone.
The attorney also said Rocky — who has two sons, RZA and Riot, with pop singer Rihanna — is ready to get the trial “over with” so the star can focus on “enjoying his family.”
At a preliminary hearing in November, a Los Angeles judge ruled there was sufficient evidence for the rapper to stand trial following the alleged incident on Nov. 6, 2021.
Superior Court Judge M.L. Villar said at the time that “the totality of the video and testimony” showed there was enough evidence for the rapper to go to trial.
“I am certain Rocky will be vindicated of all of this,” Tacopina said outside the court.
In August 2022, Rocky pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault, just days after he was formally charged.
“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. My office conducted a thorough review of the evidence in this case and determined that the addition of a special firearm allegation was warranted,” Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon said at the time.
