A$AP Rocky has been formally charged with assault with a firearm after being arrested in April over the alleged shooting of A$AP Relli during a disagreement in Los Angeles last November, Rolling Stone reports.
Rocky, AKA Rakim Meyers, faces charges of assault with a semiautomatic firearm with allegations of personally using a firearm. The US rapper could face up to nine years in prison if found guilty.
“Discharging a gun in a public place is a serious offence that could have ended with tragic consequences not only for the person targeted but also for innocent bystanders visiting Hollywood,” Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón said in a statement. “My office conducted a thorough review of the evidence in this case and determined that the addition of a special firearm allegation was warranted.”
The Guardian has contacted representatives for Rocky for comment.
Relli, AKA Terell Ephron, a former member of the A$AP Mob and a talent manager and producer, filed a civil lawsuit against Rocky last week, alleging that the rapper had “lured” him to an obscure location in Hollywood to discuss a disagreement.
“Unbeknownst to Mr Ephron, A$AP Rocky was not just planning for a conversation and came armed with a semi-automatic handgun,” he alleged in an earlier statement. “After arriving at the location, a conversation ensued whereby without provocation, warning, or any justification, A$AP Rocky produced the handgun and intentionally fired multiple shots at Mr Ephron.”
Relli alleges that Rocky “purposefully pointed” the firearm in his direction, and that he was “struck by bullet projectile/fragments” in his left hand. He claims to have suffered physical, mental and emotional injuries, and to have received death threats related to the situation. He seeks at least $25,000 in damages.
News of the alleged shooting was not made public until Rocky was arrested at LAX airport this April after returning from a trip with girlfriend Rihanna, weeks prior to the birth of their first child.
