Things are getting understandably testy after a recent courtroom exchange between A$AP Relli, the alleged victim in the shooting case involving A$AP Rocky. The former A$AP became visibly frustrated with the rapper’s attorney, Joe Tacopina, during his cross-examination on Monday (Feb. 3). The heated moment unfolded in a Los Angeles courtroom, where Relli, whose real name is Terrell Ephron, snapped at Tacopina, calling him “annoying” as the questioning grew increasingly intense.
Get this: Relli, taking the stand as part of the ongoing trial, expressed his irritation with the defense’s tactics, accusing Tacopina of trying to confuse him and paint him in a negative light. At one point, Relli turned to Tacopina, exclaiming, “You’re annoying, bro!” as the tension between the two escalated.
The alleged victim clarified that he felt the entire process was unfair, stating, “I’m not on trial. I’ve been here for five days, dealing with this man. I’ve been looking stupid for five days.” Relli also called out Tacopina for using what he believed to be deceptive tactics, shouting, “You think you’re slick! And I’m on to you! You’re not going to keep tripping me up! You’re not slick!”
ICYMI, the case revolves around Relli’s allegations that A$AP Rocky, born Rakim Myers, shot him in 2021 during an altercation in Hollywood. However, Rocky’s defense argues that the weapon involved was a prop gun, intended for self-defense due to his high-profile status and perceived threats.
Moreover, Tacopina also introduced an alleged recording of Relli, made by mutual acquaintance Wally Sajimi, which suggests Relli might have been motivated by financial gain. In the recording, a voice resembling Relli’s allegedly says, “Once I walk away, when I get my cash, the case will get way weaker.” The defense has implied that Relli’s focus may be on profiting from the situation rather than on the incident itself.
Let’s be clear: A$AP Rocky has pleaded not guilty to two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. If convicted, the rapper faces a maximum sentence of 24 years.
