Entertainment
A$AP Rocky pleads not guilty to firearm charges
Artist A$AP Rocky in relation to two allegations of armed assault stemming from a shooting in Hollywood in November has entered a not guilty plea.
The star artiste whose real name Rakim Mayers, is accused of pointing the gun during an argument at a former buddy.
He allegedly fired the handgun twice more after that, striking the victim, who was just slightly hurt.
If found guilty, the 33-year-old, who has had two US number one albums, could spend up to nine years behind bars.
On Wednesday, the rapper who gave birth to a child with singer Rihanna appeared in court in Los Angeles.
The star was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport in April, as he returned from a holiday with Rihanna. He was released three hours later – after posting bail of $550,000 (£421,000).
Terell Ephron, who is part of the A$AP Mob hip-hop collective, identified himself as the victim and took legal action against his former friend last week – alleging assault and battery, negligence and emotional distress.
Mr Ephron, known as A$AP Relli, alleged that Mr Mayers had “lured” him to an obscure location in Hollywood to discuss a disagreement.
The lawsuit claims that, after a verbal altercation, Mr Mayers “pulled out a handgun and purposefully pointed it in the direction of [Mr Ephron] and fired multiple shots”.
Mr Ephron was “struck by bullet projectile/fragments” in his left hand and required medical attention, according to the court papers. He is seeking at least $25,000 (£20,750) in damages.
At Wednesday’s hearing, judge Victoria B Wilson put a restraining order in place, ordering Mr Mayers to stay 100 yards (91m) away from Mr Ephron at all times, and set a preliminary trial date of 2 November.
Mr Mayers was previously given a two-year suspended sentence for his role in a brawl in Stockholm in August 2019.
