The trial of rapper A$AP Rocky (Rakim Mayers) has begun in Los Angeles, where he is accused of firing a gun at former friend Terell Ephron (A$AP Relli) in 2021. Mayers has pleaded not guilty to two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. Prosecutors allege the incident stemmed from a heated argument, while the defense claims it is an extortion attempt fueled by jealousy. A$AP Rocky could face up to 24 years in prison if convicted, and he declined a plea deal that would have resulted in a reduced sentence. Jury selection raised concerns about racial diversity.