Grammy-nominated rapper A$AP Rocky, born Rakim Mayers, has officially rejected a plea deal offered by prosecutors in his ongoing felony assault case.
The deal, which would have included 180 days in jail, three years of probation, and a suspended seven-year sentence, required Mayers to plead guilty to one of two assault charges stemming from a 2021 altercation.
However, the 36-year-old artist, widely recognized for his contributions to music and fashion, opted to proceed to trial instead.
The high-profile case has drawn national attention as jury selection is now underway in Los Angeles. If convicted, Mayers faces up to 24 years in prison.
The charges against Mayers stem from an altercation that occurred on November 6, 2021, in Hollywood.
According to prosecutors, Mayers confronted Terell Ephron—better known as A$AP Relli, a former member of the A$AP Mob collective—and pulled a firearm during the dispute. Later that evening, Mayers allegedly fired the weapon, though no one was injured.
In August 2022, Mayers was formally charged with two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm.
Prosecutors also allege that Mayers personally used the firearm during the incident, further escalating the seriousness of the charges.
Joe Tacopina, Mayers’ defense attorney, argues that the weapon in question was a “starter pistol,” a type of firearm commonly used for sporting events or as a stage prop. Tacopina claims the pistol was carried solely for security purposes and insists it was incapable of inflicting harm.
“The narrative being pushed here is misleading,” Tacopina said. “This was not a dangerous weapon but rather a tool of protection, and we are confident the evidence and witness testimony will support this.”
The defense plans to call several witnesses to testify that the firearm in the security footage was indeed a harmless prop, adding another layer of complexity to the case.
Before jury selection began, prosecutors presented Mayers with a plea deal in a last-minute effort to avoid trial.
The agreement required him to admit to one assault charge in exchange for a reduced sentence: 180 days in jail, three years of probation, and a suspended seven-year sentence.
Mayers, however, declined the offer, stating that he would not accept responsibility for actions he denies committing. “I respectfully decline,” the artist said, setting the stage for what is expected to be a closely watched trial.
Over 100 potential jurors have been summoned to the downtown Los Angeles courthouse, where Superior Court Judge Mark Arnold has instructed them to remain impartial despite Mayers’ celebrity status.
Jury selection is expected to take several days, with opening statements anticipated shortly after.
The trial will also be televised, marking a rare departure from standard practice in Los Angeles County courts.
This decision reflects the public interest surrounding the case, which has been amplified by Mayers’ prominent role in the entertainment industry.