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A$AP Rocky Arrest After Alleged 2021 Shooting: Everything We Know So Far
A$AP Rocky (real name: Rakim Mayers) was arrested on April 20, 2022, for an alleged connection to a November 2021 shooting involving fellow rapper A$AP Relli. The rapper was booked shortly after arriving home from a trip to Barbados with girlfriend Rihanna, whom he shares two children with. What has A$AP Rocky been accused of, how has he responded to the allegations and will the case go to trial?
Why Was A$AP Rocky Arrested?
The “Fashion Killa” artist’s booking info was released by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, showing that his bail was set at $550,000 and that he was subsequently released on bond. The document showed that he was arrested on April 20, 2022, at around 8:20 am and was later released the same day at 3:27 pm.
Following his booking into LAPD’s jail division, his next court date was set for August 17 at the LAX Courthouse.
Rocky had been arrested at Los Angeles International Airport in connection to a shooting that took place in November 2021, according to NBC News. The rapper was arriving on a private plane from his Barbados vacation with his then-pregnant girlfriend Rihanna when he was taken into custody.
Rocky had been under investigation by the LAPD for his involvement in a shooting near Vista Del Mar and Selma Ave. around 10:20 p.m. on November 6, 2021.
The shooting victim survived the incident. He later told police that Rocky was walking with two others when he approached the victim with a handgun on the street. The victim claimed the “Praise the Lord” rapper shot at him three to four times. According to the police report, the victim also claimed he believed one of the bullets grazed his left hand.
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations team assisted LAPD with the arrest on April 20. Rocky’s attorney Alan Jackson confirmed to NBC News he was arrested. Additionally, the LAPD Twitter account stated the rapper was taken into custody.
How Is A$AP Relli Connected to the Incident?
Just one week before Rocky’s scheduled court date, A$AP Relli (real name: Terell Ephron) came forward to provide a statement, which his lawyers presented to Rolling Stone.
“Unbeknownst to Mr. Ephron, A$AP Rocky was not just planning for a conversation and came armed with a semi-automatic handgun,” Relli’s statement claimed, which was released on August 11, 2022. “After arriving at the location, a conversation ensued whereby without provocation, warning, or any justification, A$AP Rocky produced the handgun and intentionally fired multiple shots at Mr. Ephron.”
Reps for A$AP Rocky did not immediately respond to In Touch‘s request for comment regarding A$AP Relli’s claims.
Has A$AP Rocky’s Legal Trouble Affected Rihanna?
Rocky’s arrest came as he was expecting his first child with Rihanna. The pair later welcomed their son on May 13, per TMZ, In Touch confirmed on May 19, 2022. They welcomed their second child in August 2023.
The couple began dating in 2020 after being longtime friends. They announced her pregnancy on January 31, 2022, releasing photos of Rocky and Rihanna walking together with the Savage X Fenty owner’s pink puffer coat open to show her growing bare baby bump. The “Umbrella” singer revealed in early March that she was already in her third trimester of pregnancy.
Shortly after they confirmed their pregnancy, Rocky was hit with rumors that he had cheated on RiRi with her friend Amina Muaddi. The speculation started when fashion blogger Louis Pisano tweeted on April 13, 2022: “Rihanna & ASAP Rocky have split. Rihanna broke up with him after she caught him cheating with shoe designer Amina Muaddi,” adding, “Amina was responsible for designing Fenty’s footwear offering and Rihanna is often seen in custom shoes from her own label.”
However, the fashion blogger eventually took back his comments following backlash.
The Next day, Louis tweeted about his “dumb decision” to post about the cheating allegation based on “information I had received.” He wrote, “I’d like to formally apologize to all parties involved with my actions and for my reckless tweets.”
Amina also denied the cheating claim in a social media post. The shoe designer took to her Instagram Stories on April 15, 2022, to clear the air. She wrote, “I’ve always believed that an unfounded lie spread on social media doesn’t deserve any clarification, especially one that is so vile.”
“I initially assumed this fake gossip, fabricated with malicious intent, would not be taken seriously,” she continued. “But in the last 24 hours, I’ve been reminded that we live in a society that is so quick to speak on topics regardless of factual basis and that nothing is off limits. Not even during what should be one of the most beautiful and celebrated times in one’s life.”
“Therefore I have to speak up, as not only is this directed toward me, but it is related to people I have a great amount of respect and admiration for,” Amina continued. She concluded her statement by telling her followers, “While Rih is continuing to live her serene, best dressed pregnancy life and I go back to my business, I wish everyone a beautiful Easter weekend!”
Rocky’s rep and attorney did not immediately respond to In Touch‘s request for comment at the time.
When Will A$AP Rocky Stand Trial in the Case?
Judge M.L. Villar determined that there is sufficient evidence for Rocky to stand trial during a preliminary hearing in Los Angeles on November 20, 2023. Prosecutors said that the father of two pointed and fired a handgun at Relli during the November 2021 incident.
A trial date is set to take place on January 8, 2024.
The “Everyday” rapper is facing two felony counts of assault with a firearm. He could potentially serve up to nine years in prison if he’s found guilty. While he initially pleaded not guilty during the August 2022 hearing, Rocky maintained his innocence again during the November 20, 2023, hearing.
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