Rapper A$AP Rocky faces a delayed trial after being accused of firing a semi-automatic handgun at his former friend and A$AP Mob member, A$AP Relli. Initially set to begin in November, the trial has been postponed to January 2025. The decision was made during a hearing in Los Angeles on October 22, following a request by Rocky’s legal team due to scheduling conflicts and unresolved discovery issues.
Rocky’s lawyer, Joe Tacopina, explained that part of the delay is due to the rapper’s performance commitments at Rolling Loud Thailand in late November. Tacopina also mentioned that the holiday season, including Thanksgiving and Christmas, contributed to the decision to move the trial date. “Everyone agreed it was best to handle this in January, and the judge was accommodating,” Tacopina said, confirming the new trial date is set for January 21, 2025.
The case stems from an incident in 2021, where Rocky, born Rakim Mayers, is accused of shooting at A$AP Relli—real name Terell Ephron—during an altercation. The two were reportedly involved in a dispute that escalated, resulting in Rocky allegedly firing shots at Relli, though the gun was never recovered. Relli claims to have been hit by bullet fragments and has since filed both criminal and civil suits against Rocky, alleging assault, battery, and emotional distress.
During a prior court hearing, Detective Frank Flores testified that surveillance footage showed a physical altercation between Rocky and Relli, though the actual shooting was not visible in the video. Relli testified that Rocky fired multiple shots at him from approximately 16 feet away, using another person as a human shield. However, the shell casings recovered from the scene had no fingerprints, and Rocky has maintained his not-guilty plea.
In addition to the criminal trial, Relli has filed a civil lawsuit seeking damages exceeding $25,000 for his injuries, medical expenses, and emotional trauma. Despite the serious charges, Tacopina has stated that Rocky is eager to resolve the matter and move forward with his life, particularly as he shares two young children with global music icon Rihanna. The rapper, who has been focused on his family, is reportedly ready to have the trial behind him.
Rocky was previously arrested in April 2022 at Los Angeles International Airport upon returning from a vacation in Barbados with Rihanna. He was later released on a $550,000 bond.
The trial will resume in early 2025, where the court will hear further testimony and evidence regarding the 2021 incident.
