A$AP Rocky (Rakim Athelaston Mayers) has been acquitted of two felony counts of assault with a semi-automatic weapon against his former friend, A$AP Relli (Terell Ephron). Prosecutors alleged that A$AP Rocky pointed a gun at A$AP Relli during an altercation in November 2021, shooting at him and leaving him with minor injuries. But the three-week trial culminated with the jury finding A$AP Rocky not guilty after a three-hour deliberation, leaving the relieved rapper rushing to embrace long-time partner Rihanna in the courtroom. A$AP Rocky - who could have faced up to 24 years in prison had the verdict gone the other way - thanked God and the jury, adding, 'I'm so thankful - this is crazy right now.'
Who is Terell Ephron, A$AP Relli?
Terell is a former friend and collaborator of the decorated musician Rakim Mayers. According to Terell, he and Rakim were friends as teenagers and formed part of New York's 'A$AP Mob' - described as a 'hip-hop collective' who made music and explored other creative avenues, including fashion.
While Terell and Rakim's friendship continued as the latter experienced a greater ascent to stardom, it has been claimed that cracks began to show when A$AP Rocky started bowing out of business ventures.
While the A$AP Mob is still active, A$AP Relli's presence on the music scene appears to have dwindled, and he is listed as a past member of the group.
What happened between Terell Ephron and Rakim Mayers?
Rakim was accused of pointing a gun at Terell before firing twice in his direction during a confrontation outside of a Hollywood garage on 6 November 2021.
Terell - who was said to have suffered a graze to his knuckle as a result of the incident - also claimed that his former friend threatened to kill him.
Rakim was arrested in April 2022 but released on bail. He maintained a not-guilty plea, and ahead of the trial, he declined a final prosecution offer - to plead guilty to one of his two felony counts and serve 180 days in prison. During the trial, prosecutors argued that there was clear evidence that Rakim did fire a gun at his former friend, but A$AP Rocky's lawyer countered that A$AP Relli was driven by 'jealousy, lies and greed' and the gun was actually a 'starter pistol' that shot blanks. Witnesses and Rakim's legal team also said firing the prop gun was a warning, as Terell was attacking another member of the group.
It's unclear whether the jury reached their verdict because they believed Rakim was acting in self-defence or carrying a prop gun.
Millie Payne is a News and Entertainment Writer for Grazia. She has specialised in showbiz interviews, features, articles and roundups for over three years and loves combining her love for writing, talking and all things popular culture.