A$AP Rocky appears in court where he will will soon learn if he’s going to trial in shooting case

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A$AP Rocky made an appearance in a Los Angeles courtroom on Monday, where he awaited a crucial decision regarding his involvement in a shooting case. The rapper, aged 35, who is also known for his relationship with Rihanna and their two children, is facing allegations of firing a gun at a former friend and collaborator outside a Hollywood hotel.

The Los Angeles judge presiding over the case is set to review the evidence presented on Monday. This review will determine whether A$AP Rocky should stand trial on two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. It’s important to note that the rapper has pleaded not guilty to these charges.

The incident in question occurred on November 6, 2021, outside the W. Hotel in Hollywood. Prosecutors claim that A$AP Rocky pointed a handgun at Terell Ephron and subsequently fired shots, grazing Ephron’s knuckles and causing minor injuries. Ephron, who was once known as A$AP Relli and had a close friendship with Rocky during their teenage years as part of the A$AP collective, testified during the hearing. He mentioned that their friendship deteriorated as Rocky allegedly failed to follow through on promised business ventures and neglected other members of their high school collective, who were facing difficulties. The confrontation in 2021 marked the climax of their tensions.

During the hearing, prosecutors presented surveillance video footage capturing part of the incident, suggesting that A$AP Rocky brandished a gun and possibly fired it. However, Rocky’s legal team denies these claims.

A$AP Rocky’s legal journey in this case began with his arrest at Los Angeles International Airport in April, followed by formal charges in August. In court, he appeared wearing a dark suit, sunglasses, and a face mask, following his weekend involvement at the Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix as Puma’s creative director in a partnership with the clothing brand.

A$AP Rocky, a two-time Grammy nominee, achieved chart-topping success with his first two studio albums in 2013 and 2015. In recent years, his musical output has been limited, and he has gained recognition as a fashion influencer and co-parent of Rihanna’s children.

It’s worth noting that A$AP Rocky also gained attention in the past for his involvement in a legal dispute in Sweden in 2019. Then-President Donald Trump advocated for his release, and although he was found guilty of assault, he received a “conditional sentence” that did not involve additional jail time.

In the current Los Angeles case, A$AP Rocky is being represented by Joe Tacopina, who is known for his legal work with former President Trump. During the preliminary hearing, Tacopina engaged in contentious cross-examination of Ephron, suggesting that Ephron might be fabricating the incident for financial gain, as Ephron has also filed a civil lawsuit related to the matter.

In the California legal system, preliminary hearings like this serve as a preliminary evaluation, with a judge deciding whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. The burden of proof in such hearings is lower than that required for establishing criminal guilt. Superior Court Judge M.L. Villar is expected to make a decision on whether to proceed to trial, possibly as early as Monday, although the process could extend depending on testimony and rulings.

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More about Legal Battle

• A$AP Rocky faces firearms assault charges in Hollywood shooting case
• A$AP Rocky’s legal history, from Sweden to Hollywood
• Joe Tacopina, A$AP Rocky’s lawyer, known for high-profile cases
• A$AP Rocky and Rihanna’s relationship timeline
• California preliminary hearings explained