A$AP Rocky’s shooting trial postponed due to scheduling issues
A$AP Rocky‘s upcoming trial for assault with a semi-automatic firearm has been on hold since he was originally charged in 2021 for multiple reasons. Now, it has once again been postponed due to scheduling issues that would clash with a booking he has to perform at Rolling Loud in Thailand.
As such, the trial is now reported to happen in 2025. The court date was moved after Judge Mark Arnold approved a request made by A$AP Rocky’s lawyer, Joe Tacopina, explaining how the Harlem native has an essential engagement in Thailand.
Rocky’s lawyer gave a statement outside the courthouse where he unveiled that if the request had been denied the lyricist would have happily appeared on November 12th, but thanked the judge for his generosity.
Standing outside the Los Angeles Superior Court, Joe Tacopina declared, “If he said no, you know, Rocky would be here on November 12th, obviously. I’d be here. But he was very accommodating!”
Although the official trial will take place next year, on December 30th, a court readiness proceeding will take place, allowing both parties to let the judge know if they’re ready for the forthcoming trial.
In August 2022, Rocky pleaded not guilty after being charged with two counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm. The case stems back to an incident in 2021 that allegedly led to the musician discharging a firearm at A$AP Relli.
Relli initially pressed charges for assault and battery, negligence, and emotional distress. However, after a police investigation, the judge determined Rocky could only be tried for assault. The initial lawsuit filed by Relli at Los Angeles County court detailed a night claiming he was invited to a location in central Hollywood to “discuss a disagreement” they had been having.
Relli alleged Rocky arrived at the meeting armed with a semi-automatic weapon and “without provocation, warning, or any justification… produced the handgun and intentionally fired multiple shots at Mr. Ephron [A$AP Relli].”
During the 2022 preliminary hearing, Relli testified that he was shot shortly afterwards and alleged Rocky shot him four times before fleeing the scene. Security footage from near the scene shows the rapper holding a gun before a brief altercation.
In a separate court case, Relli has also decided to sue A$AP Rocky for defamation. His lawyer, Camille Vasquez, claimed that the rapper and his lawyer denying the charges and accusing Relli of lying had caused damage to his brand.
In the lawsuit, Vasquez claims A$AP Relli has “suffered damage to his reputation and his personal brand; goodwill in the community as a member of A$AP Mob” and potentially lost future income “as a result of the negative publicity.” He is seeking punitive or exemplary damages, and legal fees.