A former friend of A$AP Rocky, who is also the main witness in his ongoing trial, testified on Tuesday that their friendship had been deteriorating for years. The witness expressed shock and anger when Rocky allegedly threatened him with a firearm on a Hollywood street. “I told him to use it. Because mentally I couldn’t believe it,” recounted A$AP Relli, as he faced Rocky, who was seated at the defense table. He described the encounter as a significant breaking point in their relationship, stating, “I physically could not believe there was a gun in my face.”
The day in court came to an unexpected pause just as Relli was set to recount the moment Rocky allegedly discharged the weapon. The popular hip-hop artist, who is also a fashion icon and the partner of Rihanna, has entered a plea of not guilty to two felony charges concerning assault with a semiautomatic firearm, stemming from the alleged incident involving Relli.
Relli, whose real name is Terell Ephron, explained that he and Rocky, whose legal name is Rakim Mayers, originally bonded as part of a creative collective during their high school years in New York, known as A$AP (Always Strive and Prosper). As Rocky’s fame escalated, Relli shifted his focus towards music management. He described their bond as brotherly, noting they spent every day together until Rocky became famous, after which he felt their friendship dwindled due to Rocky’s busy schedule.
“I mean it’s always been like that. It’s really hard having a relationship with Rocky; he lies a lot,” Relli testified. He amusingly referred to Rocky as “Mr. Six Month Man,” expressing that he would only see him every half year. Relli confessed that he never wished to confront someone of Rocky’s stature, considering that doing so could jeopardize his own career, stating, “It would be over. Literally over. You don’t have a career.”
Initially, Relli’s testimony appeared reserved, punctuated by moments of anxiety. However, as he recounted the events leading up to the confrontation, his demeanor shifted to one of greater assertiveness. He revealed having overheard Rocky use derogatory language about him during a phone call the day before the incident. Relli produced text messages from Rocky sent on November 6, 2021, stating, “Where you at?, Let’s get to it,” suggesting Rocky’s intentions were not amicable. Relli believed they would meet to settle their differences but felt Rocky had other plans, escalating to a confrontational meeting near a parking garage.
Relli described how Rocky began shouting insults before physically confronting him. When Rocky retreated briefly, he brandished a semiautomatic handgun and aimed it at Relli’s head and abdomen. Relli recounted asking Rocky, “What are you doing with a gun?” On Wednesday, Relli is expected to return to the stand, where he will likely discuss the alleged gunshots fired at him, followed by intense cross-examination from Rocky’s legal team.
Prosecutors assert that Rocky fired two shots towards Relli, who previously mentioned that one bullet grazed his knuckles. In contrast, the defense claims that Relli was the instigator, alleging Rocky discharged a starter pistol to halt a physical altercation involving another crew member. They contended that Rocky possessed the pistol solely for security purposes. Notably, the defense admitted to the court that they do not currently have the pistol in their possession.
When questioned by Judge Matthew Arnold about the existence of the prop gun, Rocky’s lawyer Joe Tacopina confirmed it once existed but was no longer available. The defense posited in their opening statement that Relli acted boldly due to knowing Rocky’s firearm was fake, a claim Relli refuted by stating he had never heard of Rocky using such weaponry and was unaware of him carrying any guns whatsoever, noting that he was surrounded by considerable security.
Rocky’s attorneys portrayed Relli, who is also pursuing a civil lawsuit against the artist, as motivated by jealousy and greed, alleging that he fabricated significant aspects of his testimony for monetary gain. Earlier in the proceedings, the defense questioned a police officer regarding the lack of evidence at the scene of the supposed shooting. The officer confirmed no signs of a shooting were present, including blood or bullet holes.
After the shooting incident, Relli reportedly handed over two shell casings to the police he claimed to have discovered at the scene, after several officers had failed to uncover any evidence. The officer testifying was notably the son of Erika Jayne, a former cast member of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” As the trial continues, Rihanna, Rocky’s long-term partner and mother of their two young sons, was notably absent from the courtroom, although Rocky’s legal team mentioned her potential appearance was still a possibility.
