A$AP Rocky Declines to Testify in Assault Trial

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Rapper A$AP Rocky, whose legal name is Rakim Mayers, has chosen not to testify in his firearm assault trial, leading to the defense resting its case on Tuesday. The decision comes as the trial, which began three weeks ago, heads toward closing arguments, anticipated for Thursday.

On the morning of his decision, Mayers confirmed to Superior Court Judge Mark Arnold that he had consulted with his lawyer regarding his rights. “I want my right to not testify,” he stated while seated at the defense table in a double-breasted black jacket and cravat. Judge Arnold informed Mayers that he had the constitutional right under the Fifth Amendment to remain silent and could not be compelled to take the stand.

Without Mayers’ testimony, defense attorney Joe Tacopina focused on presenting evidence that suggested Mayers was in possession of a prop gun loaded with blanks on the night of the alleged incident, which occurred on November 6, 2021. A$AP Twelvyy, an associate of Mayers, along with another member of the A$AP Mob, testified that the gun was not loaded with live ammunition.

Judge Arnold indicated to the jury they would have the option to acquit Mayers if they believed he perceived himself or his friends to be in imminent danger at the time of the altercation. “You can find him not guilty if you determine he reasonably believed that a reasonable amount of force was necessary to defend against that danger,” Arnold clarified.

During the trial, testimony highlighted conflicting narratives. Ephron, the alleged victim, claimed that Mayers approached him aggressively, leading to a physical confrontation. He insisted that Mayers fired a weapon during the encounter, with one bullet grazing his left hand.

In contrast, witnesses for the defense maintained that the shots fired by Mayers were warning shots intended to deter Ephron, whom they described as the initial aggressor in the confrontation outside a parking garage. “As a deterrent against prior violence, he would fire these shots,” A$AP Twelvyy said while on the stand.

Surveillance footage recorded during the incident became a focal point of both the prosecution and defense. The blurry video, lacking sound, was shown multiple times, with each side presenting its own interpretation of the events. Prosecutor Paul Przelomiec argued the videos correlated with audible shots from another recording taken nearby, while the defense disputed the timing of the shots in the context of the fight.

Lou Levin, A$AP Rocky’s tour manager, testified that the prop gun had been used on the set of the rapper’s music video, “D.M.B.,” earlier that year. “The gun was a prop, intended for video production,” Levin stated.

Mayers, 36, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm and faces potential sentencing of up to 24 years in prison if convicted. Prosecutors allege he fired two 9mm rounds during the confrontation, with evidence suggesting one bullet caused injury to Ephron.

Following the decision not to testify, Mayers left the courthouse, where his partner Rihanna was present on multiple occasions during the trial, showing support as the proceedings progressed.

The trial is nearing its conclusion, with closing arguments set to be presented on Thursday, initiating the jury’s deliberation process.