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Rapper A$AP Rocky interjected while a key witness testified during his gun assault trial on Friday.
Why It Matters
A$AP Rocky, real name Rakim Mayers, is accused of shooting at former friend and collaborator A$AP Relli, real name Terell Ephron, in 2021. Mayers has pleaded not guilty, and his lawyers have said that he was holding a prop gun.
Mayers is dating singer Rihanna, with whom he shares two children. She has attended the trial in support of him.
AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes
What To Know
A$AP Twelvyy, real name Jamel Phillips, had been on the stand for about two and a half hours when Mayers spoke up.
A prosecutor asked Phillips, a friend of Mayers, what “AWGE” stands for.
“Don’t say it,” Mayers said from the defense table.
The prosecutor then asked Phillips if he had heard Mayers’ comment.
“I heard something. I’m not too sure what I heard. I was listening to you,” Phillips said.
Phillips said that he does not know what the acronym stands for.
He also testified that Ephron was the aggressor in the incident and Mayers was holding a prop gun.
What Is AWGE?
AWGE is a creative agency founded by Mayers in 2014. The agency has produced music, launched a fashion line, directed music videos and worked with brands like Mercedes-Benz.
What Are AWGE’s Rules?
The agency’s website lists two rules, “never reveal what AWGE means” and “when in doubt” refer to the first rule.
A$AP Rocky Charges
Mayers is charged with two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm.
Is A$AP Rocky In Jail?
Mayers was released from jail on a $550,000 bond after his 2022 arrest. He faces up to 24 years in prison if convicted on both charges.
What People Are Saying
Jamel Phillips, aka A$AP Twelvyy, describing the altercation between Ephron and Mayers in his testimony: “Relli’s kind of a big dude. He’s kind of, like, grabbing him and shaking him, so at this point, Rocky tries to, like, I guess I grab him too, but grab so he can maintain his balance because Relli is kind of trying to lift him up by his hoodie.”
What Happens Next
The defense continued calling witnesses on Monday. After the defense rests its case, closing arguments will be presented, and the jury will be sent to deliberate.
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