A$AP Rocky, partner of popstar Rihanna, has been charged over a shooting in Hollywood last year.
The rapper, real name Rakim Mayers, has been charged with two counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm with allegations of personally using a firearm.
The 33-year-old star is accused of pointing a gun at a former friend during an argument in November, with prosecutors alleging he fired the weapon twice in the direction of the victim.
The victim – A$AP Relli, real name Terell Ephron – sustained a minor injury.
In a statement, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon said: “Discharging a gun in a public place is a serious offence that could have ended with tragic consequences not only for the person targeted but also for innocent bystanders visiting Hollywood.
“My office conducted a thorough review of the evidence in this case and determined that the addition of a special firearm allegation was warranted.”
The case is being investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery/Homicide Division.
Rocky has his arraignment set for Wednesday local time.
He was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport on April 20 after arriving on a private plane with Rihanna just weeks before their son was born.
The incident occured on November 6 2021, with the star – who was released following his arrest after posting a $550,000 bond – alleged to have been involved in a “heated discussion” in which he aimed a gun at his former friend.
During the “subsequent confrontation”, the rapper is accused of shooting twice towards the victim.
Last week, Ephron came forward as the victim and revealed plans to file a civil lawsuit against his ex-friend.
A statement by his lawyers alleged: “Unbeknownst to Mr. Ephron, A$AP Rocky was not just planning for a conversation and came armed with a semi-automatic handgun.
“After arriving at the location, a conversation ensued whereby without provocation, warning, or any justification, A$AP Rocky produced the handgun and intentionally fired multiple shots at Mr. Ephron.”
