A$AP Rocky’s Accuser Unfazed by Rapper’s Acquittal, Moves Forward with Civil Lawsuit

Just a week after A$AP Rocky was found not guilty in his high-profile criminal trial, where he faced up to 24 years in prison for allegedly firing a semiautomatic pistol at a former friend, the rapper’s accuser has made it clear—he’s not backing down.

Despite the unanimous jury verdict acquitting Rocky, the plaintiff, Terell Ephron—a former member of A$AP Mob—has no intention of dropping his assault and battery lawsuit, which was filed in August 2022.

Civil Case Moves Forward

During a recent court hearing in Los Angeles, Ephron’s attorney, Melissa Mikail, reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing the lawsuit.

“The standard in a criminal case is much higher than the preponderance of the evidence standard in a civil matter. We still believe our claims have merit, and we intend on fully litigating them,” Mikail stated.

In response, the judge lifted the stay that had put the civil case on hold pending the outcome of the criminal trial. A trial date for the lawsuit has now been set for January 12, 2026.

The Allegations Against A$AP Rocky

Ephron alleges that on November 6, 2021, Rocky—born Rakim Mayers—pulled out a handgun and fired at him during a heated verbal altercation on the corner of Selma Ave. and Vista Del Mar Ave. in Hollywood.

At the criminal trial, Ephron claimed he felt a hot sensation on his left hand and believed he had been grazed by a bullet. However, under intense cross-examination, Ephron was combative and accused of repeatedly committing perjury on the stand.

Rocky’s Defense: A Prop Gun

From the start, Mayers has maintained his innocence. He did not testify in his own defense, but his legal team argued that he was only carrying a prop gun that night as a security measure.

Two A$AP Mob members took the stand and testified that the gun Rocky was holding was a prop from his ‘D.M.B.’ music video, which he had filmed with Rihanna in July 2021. They claimed the prop gun only fired blanks and could not have caused the injury Ephron described.

Jury’s Verdict and Emotional Courtroom Moment

After three weeks of trial, the jury deliberated for just over three hours before concluding there was not enough evidence to convict Mayers.

The verdict led to an emotional scene in the courtroom. Mayers immediately jumped over a waist-high barrier to embrace Rihanna, who had been sitting in the front row supporting him throughout the trial. He then hugged his defense attorneys, Joe Tacopina and Chad Siegel, who had successfully argued his case.

Rocky’s Lawyer Responds to the Civil Lawsuit

At a follow-up hearing, Rocky’s civil attorney, James Sargent, argued that the civil lawsuit should not move forward given the criminal acquittal.

“My position is there’s no longer a basis for them. Mr. Ephron testified in the criminal case, and the jury’s acquittal speaks volumes about how they valued that testimonial evidence,” Sargent told Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge William Fahey.

The judge then asked Sargent if he had been involved in Rocky’s criminal defense. Sargent clarified that Tacopina and Siegel had handled the case.

“They obviously did a good job,” Judge Fahey remarked.

Will Rocky Settle?

Outside the courtroom, Sargent remained confident that Rocky would win again in the civil case.

“The allegations Mr. Ephron raises stem from the same incident that a jury of 12 people rejected wholesale. Mr. Ephron testified in the criminal case, and despite his testimony, the jury returned a complete acquittal. We look forward to a full vindication of Mr. Mayers in this matter,” Sargent told Rolling Stone.

When asked whether Rocky would consider settling the lawsuit, Sargent simply smiled and said,
“No. We look forward to full vindication. The plaintiff can take a sober assessment of the outcome of the criminal case and change course.”

Accusations of Extortion

During the criminal trial, jurors learned that Ephron had allegedly demanded $30 million from Rocky to avoid filing the lawsuit. Additionally, recordings played in court captured Ephron telling a friend that he would disappear to a tropical island and not testify in the criminal case if Rocky paid him off.

Rocky’s lawyer, Joe Tacopina, argued that this amounted to extortion, further undermining Ephron’s credibility.

What’s Next?

Despite Rocky’s legal victory, the civil case will proceed, with the next court hearing scheduled for May 28, 2025.

Meanwhile, prosecutors have voiced frustration over Rihanna and their children attending the criminal trial, arguing that their presence could have swayed the jury.

With the civil case looming, this legal battle between A$AP Rocky and his former friend is far from over.