A Rocky Road to Freedom; A$AP Rocky in the Courtroom

Photo via The Rolling Stone

***

A$AP Rocky, also known as Rakim Mayers, is well accustomed to being in the spotlight. Whether it’s his trailblazing influence in fashion—including his recent Cultural Innovator award at the 2024 Fashion Awards or his best-selling music career, the rapper has created himself a well-respected brand. But today, it’s not the red carpet he’s walking through; it’s the courtroom.

According to court proceedings, Mayers allegedly entered a heated altercation with his ex-associate, A$AP Relli, also known as Terell Ephron. This altercation took place in Hollywood in November 2021. Mayers allegedly pulled out a firearm, which, according to his lawyers, was a “prop” for a music video, and fired it while aiming at Ephron. Following this incident, Mayers has been indicted on two counts of felony assault with a semi-automatic firearm. If convicted, he could be facing up to 24 years. 

Ephron claims to have sustained minor injuries, remarking that “…his knuckles were grazed by one of the shots.” Interestingly enough, the shell casings from the scene were recovered late—but not by the Los Angeles Police Department. Instead, Ephron himself allegedly returned to the crime scene and discovered them. The legitimacy of this evidence and his claims remains uncertain since the evidence was retrieved by the plaintiff himself; however, Mayers’ defense argues that “The evidence isn’t here in this case … no bullet holes, no blood, no damage and of course no shell casings” have otherwise been located.

Mayers’ career is at stake as this case has the potential to reshape the future of his brand and reputation as a cultural mogul. Due to Mayers’ fame, this case may be subject to the court of public opinion—a trial by jury…and social media. As the courtroom saga unfolds, there is a bit of controversy among the public as supporters rally behind Mayers, and others remain apprehensive.

Photo via Shutterstock

The singer, actress, and businesswoman Rihanna shares two children with Mayers. The power couple has been a prevalent topic of discussion, with Rihanna making appearances in the courtroom. 

The couple’s marital status is an important topic of debate within the courtroom due to its implications regarding spousal privilege protections. Spousal privilege protects confidential interactions between spouses, ensuring that “…all private statements between spouses will be free from public exposure.”

According to Mayers’ lawyer, Joe Tacopina, the couple is joined together via “common-law marriage.” A unique marital status is defined as “…a type of marriage where a couple becomes legally married without participating in a lawful ceremony by living together for a long period of time, intending to be married, and holding themselves out to others as married.” 

On January 16, Judge Mark S. Arnold questioned their marital status, and after learning that the two may not be legally married, a prosecutor remarked, “If they’re not legally married, we prefer that she not be referred to as his wife and that she is just referred to as his significant other or mother of his children.” This nuance holds significant implications for the defense as the prosecution may use their marital status in hopes of requiring Rihanna to testify against Mayers.

As the trial comes to a close, everyone’s attention is on the jury as they deliberate. Critics and fans remain eager to learn more, hoping the verdict is announced ASAP. For the moment, we will be left waiting for what comes next.

UPDATE: As of 02/18/2025, Rakim Mayers has been found not guilty on both counts. 

***

This article was edited by Connor Downey and Eve Salazar.