A$AP Rocky: US rapper pleads not guilty to firearm charges

Musician A$AP Rocky has pleaded not guilty to two charges of armed assault that are related to a shooting in Hollywood in November.

The actor, real name Rakim Mayers, is accused of pointing the gun during an argument with a former buddy. After that, he allegedly discharged the weapon twice more, wounding the victim, who was only mildly injured.

If found guilty, the 33-year-old, who has had two US number one albums, could spend up to nine years behind bars.

On Wednesday, the rapper who has a child with singer Rihanna appeared in court in Los Angeles.

While returning from a vacation with Rihanna in April, the celebrity was detained at the Los Angeles International Airport. Three hours later, after paying a $550,000 (£421,000) bond, he was free to go.

A$AP Mob rapper Terell Ephron, who claimed to be the victim, filed a lawsuit against his former friend last week, accusing him of assault and battery, carelessness, and emotional distress.

Following a verbal argument, the lawsuit claims that Mr. Mayers “pulled out a pistol and purposefully directed it in the direction of Mr. Ephron and fired multiple shots.”

The court records state that Mr. Ephron’s left hand required medical attention after being “struck by gunfire projectiles and pieces.” He claims at least $25,000 (£20,750) in damages.

During the hearing on Wednesday, Judge Victoria B. Wilson set the date for the preliminary trial for November 2, 2018. She also issued a restraining order requiring Mr. Mayers to maintain a 100-yard (91 metre) distance from Mr. Ephron at all times.

In the past, Mr. Mayers received a two-year suspended sentence for his participation in a fight that occurred in Stockholm in August 2019.

He achieved eight platinum singles in the US as A$AP Rocky, becoming one of the decade’s biggest breakout stars. These singles include Wild For The Night, Everyday, LSD, and A$AP Forever.

He gained notoriety as a result of Drake’s support and has collaborated with Alicia Keys, Lana Del Rey, Skepta, Selena Gomez, and Kendrick Lamar, among others.