Rihanna makes first court appearance at A$AP Rocky trial, accuser testifies

On January 29, 2025, Rihanna made her first appearance at the Los Angeles trial of her partner, A$AP Rocky (legal name Rakim Mayers), who faces two felony assault charges for allegedly firing a handgun at former friend Terell Ephron, known as A$AP Relli. If convicted, Mayers could face up to 24 years in prison. During the proceedings, Ephron testified about the 2021 incident in Hollywood. He recounted confronting Mayers, who, after an initial scuffle, allegedly drew a firearm from his waistband. Ephron described the moment, stating, “He turned around and then it was like BOOM!” He added that he felt his hand become hot and realized he had been grased by a bullet.

Mayers’ defense attorney contends that the shots were not from a real gun but from a prop starter pistol, asserting that Ephron was aware of this and is attempting to extort Mayers. The trial, which began on January 21, has delved into the strained relationship between the two, who were once close friends and collaborators within the A$AP collective. Rihanna, who shares two young sons with Mayers, attended the trial discreetly, sitting between Mayers’ mother and sister. Her presence underscores the high-profile nature of the case. The trial is ongoing, with the defense scheduled to cross-examine Ephron in the coming days.