Judge advises A$AP Relli to drop A$AP Rocky lawsuit
A$AP Relli previously filed a defamation lawsuit against A$AP Rocky after the rapper was found not guilty of two felony counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm in February. However, the judge has suggested he should drop the suit.
Rocky (real name Rakim Mayers) was acquitted after being accused of firing a gun at his former friend in Hollywood in November 2021, avoiding a potential 24 years in prison.
During a hearing on September 8th, Los Angeles County Judge Randolph M Hammock warned Relli (real name Terell Ephron) about the legal fees he will have to pay after claiming he was unfairly called a liar and extortionist.
“I would urge you to contact the other side and see if a deal can be made,” Hammock said, according to Rolling Stone. “Maybe in exchange for dismissing the lawsuit, they’ll drop their claim for fees … Maybe it’s time to cut your losses. I’m not talking chump change here. It would be tens of thousands, easily.”
Relli might have to pay Rocky and his lawyer more than $50,000 in fees, but he stood his ground. “I’ve already invested over $500,000,” he said. “I paid [my prior law firm] Sheppard Mullin, and they left me at the last minute. So now, I’m stuck on my own. I’m just fighting for my rights here.”
Doubling down, the judge said, “Mr Ephron, listen to me carefully, OK? This is a very, highly technical motion. It has to do with the First Amendment. They have to [show] this is a matter of public interest. They probably will show that. I’m pretty sure they will.
“I think your case has gotten some press, OK? And I know that Mr Mayers was recently acquitted … Maybe you can reflect upon this case and what you want to do.”