Terell Ephron, known as A$AP Relli, took the stand in the assault trial of rapper A$AP Rocky on Tuesday, January 28, describing the moment when Rocky allegedly pulled a gun on him during a confrontation in 2021.
Ephron, visibly emotional, recounted how the incident unfolded rapidly. Upon seeing the gun, he reportedly exclaimed, “You better use that sht, what the fck you got a gun for?” He added that he was ready to die for his respect, stating, “If this is what you want to do, I still have my dignity.”
Ephron explained that the day before the incident, he overheard a phone call between Rocky and A$AP Bari, during which Rocky spoke negatively about him. Their friendship, which had started in high school, had deteriorated.
The following day, Ephron claimed that Rocky, who rarely contacted him, began bombarding him with calls while he was asleep, sending a message that read, “Let’s get to it … stop ducking my calls,” which Ephron took as an invitation for a confrontation.
Ephron testified that Rocky then FaceTimed him, asked where he was staying, and showed up at his Hollywood hotel with two associates. During their argument, Ephron said Rocky pulled a gun from his waistband, fired it, and a bullet grazed Ephron’s knuckles.
Rocky’s defense attorney argued that the gun was a movie prop and could not have discharged live ammunition. However, Ephron testified that he had never seen Rocky with a prop gun or any firearm prior to the incident. The trial is ongoing, with more testimony scheduled for Wednesday morning.
Rihanna, Rocky’s partner and mother of his two children, is expected to attend the trial in support of him.
Rocky faces two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm and, if convicted, could face up to 24 years in prison. He has pleaded not guilty and rejected a plea deal. Rocky’s lawyer has dismissed Ephron’s claims as “bogus” and accused him of trying to extort the rapper.
