A$AP Rocky's Former Friend Takes The Stand As Assault Trial Kicks Off

A$AP Relli is not holding back as he takes the stand in A$AP Rocky's assault trial, recounting the moment the rapper allegedly pulled a gun on him. Rocky is on trial for allegedly firing a gun at Relli on November 6, 2021. 

With A$AP Rocky rejecting a plea deal and firmly maintaining his innocence, the trial is set to unravel the bitter fallout between the two former friends. 

The rapper's alleged victim, Terell Ephron, better known as A$AP Relli, delivered explosive testimony in court, detailing the moment he says Rocky pulled a gun on him during a heated argument.

According to Relli, everything happened in a flash. He was stunned that Rocky would escalate their dispute to such a level, but instead of backing down, he confronted the rapper head-on.

"You better use that sh-t, what the f— you got a gun for?" he recalled saying in the tense standoff. Relli claimed that while the argument raged on, Rocky reached for the gun in his waistband and pulled the trigger, sending a bullet grazing his knuckles.

As reported by TMZ, Relli made it clear he was prepared to stand his ground. "I was willing to die for my respect. If this is what you want to do, I still have my dignity," he declared.

The cracks in Rocky and Relli's longtime friendship seem to have been forming for a while, but according to the latter, the situation exploded after a heated phone call and a series of aggressive messages.

Relli testified that just a day before the alleged shooting, he overheard a conversation between Rocky and A$AP Bari, where Rocky was badmouthing him. That moment, he noted, solidified how far their relationship had fallen since their high school days.

Subsequently, things escalated. Relli said he was asleep when Rocky started flooding his phone with calls, something he found unusual since the star rarely reached out. 

When he finally woke up, he saw a FaceTime from Rocky and a text that read, "Let's get to it ... stop ducking my calls." To Relli, it was clear: Rocky was looking for a confrontation.

Relli claims that, after asking for his location, Rocky made him show proof he was at a Hollywood hotel. Moments later,  he claims Rocky arrived with two "goons" by his side.

The high-stakes trial against Rocky took another turn as his legal team argued that the firearm at the center of the case was not real, but Relli was not buying it. Testifying in court, Relli stated he had never seen the 36-year-old with a prop gun, or any gun at all, before the night of the alleged shooting. 

This directly contradicts Rocky's attorney, Joe Tacopina, who insists the weapon was nothing more than a movie prop and incapable of firing the bullets found at the scene.

Tacopina dismissed Relli's claims as outright fabrication, alleging that he is attempting to extort Rocky. But the stakes could not be higher for Rocky, who is facing two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. If convicted, he could spend up to 24 years behind bars.

Days before Relli took the stand, Rocky grabbed headlines by pleading not guilty and rejecting a plea deal, insisting on his innocence. The father-of-two reportedly believes the deal would have devastating consequences for his future in music and fashion.

The Blast reported that Rocky's legal team, led by Joe Tacopina, confirmed he rejected the offer, which included a 180-day jail sentence, three years of probation, and 500 hours of community service. 

An insider from his camp revealed, "This would effectively end his career because he would lose all of his endorsement contracts, including Gucci, Puma, the Met Gala, and, most importantly, he would not be able to tour, and his career would be over."

It was reported that Rocky also feared federal authorities would have him under their control for up to eight years. Unwilling to risk his freedom and career, the entrepreneur would rather fight the charges in court.

While Rocky is focused on the impact of the plea deal on his career, his partner's own fans are concerned about hers. Rihanna's rumored plans to attend Rocky's trial sparked a frenzy among her fanbase, with many urging her to stay away from the courtroom. 

The singer's supporters took to social media to voice their concerns, fearing that her association with Rocky's legal troubles could tarnish her image.

The Blast reported that the backlash erupted on X, where Rihanna's devoted fans—known as the Navy—pleaded with her to reconsider. "Oh no girl! He's going to prison if you show up or not," one user wrote. 

Some fans took direct shots at Rocky, suggesting Rihanna could do better. "She could do better. She had options," one person declared, while another bluntly stated, "The only thing Rocky needs is some plastic surgery to fix that ugly mug of his. Rihanna could do much better."

Others warned that her presence could negatively impact her businesses, with one fan tweeting, "Sis nooooo. Stay as far away as possible. If he goes down fr it'll fk up the brand."

With the trial unfolding, A$AP Rocky fights for his freedom as the courtroom drama shows no signs of slowing down.