After being acquitted of felony assault charges, A$AP Rocky’s legal troubles are far from over, as his former friend and alleged victim, A$AP Relli, continues to pursue a civil lawsuit against him. The ongoing legal battle ensures that Rocky, born Rakim Mayers, will remain in the courtroom, with significant implications for both parties.
Last week, A$AP Rocky walked out of court a free man after beating felony shooting charges related to a 2021 altercation in Hollywood. However, Relli’s decision to press forward with his civil lawsuit means that Rocky’s legal challenges are not yet resolved. A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge recently lifted a temporary hold on Relli’s assault and battery suit, setting a trial date for January 12, 2026.
Relli originally filed the civil suit in 2022, alleging that Rocky fired a gun at him during their confrontation. While Rocky was acquitted of the criminal charges, Relli’s attorney, Melisa Mikhail, emphasized the differences between criminal and civil court, noting that the burden of proof is significantly lower in civil cases. This means that a different outcome remains possible despite the acquittal.
At a recent hearing, Mikhail stated, “We intend to continue litigating this case. The standard in a criminal case is much higher than the preponderance of the evidence standard in a civil matter. We still believe that our claims have merit, and we intend on fully litigating them.” Her comments reflect the determination of Relli’s legal team to pursue justice through the civil court system.
In response, A$AP Rocky’s attorney, James Sargent, countered that Relli’s claims lack legal standing following the jury’s acquittal. “Mr. Ephron testified in the criminal case as to the facts and circumstances,” he noted. “The jury’s acquittal speaks volumes as to how they valued that testimonial evidence.” This statement underscores Rocky’s position that the civil suit should not proceed based on the findings of the criminal trial.
The lawsuit stems from a complex and strained relationship between Rocky and Relli, both of whom were once part of the A$AP Mob collective. Tensions escalated between the two, leading to the alleged incident in question, where Relli claims that Rocky ambushed him, firing a gun in his direction. Rocky was arrested in April 2022 and faced two felony counts of assault with a firearm, but the jury ultimately found him not guilty, clearing him of criminal wrongdoing.
As the legal proceedings continue, both sides are preparing for a key hearing scheduled for May 28, where they will further build their cases in advance of the January 2026 trial. The outcome of this civil lawsuit could have lasting implications for both A$AP Rocky and A$AP Relli, as they navigate the complexities of their legal battles and the fallout from their public dispute.
This ongoing situation highlights the broader issues of accountability and the legal consequences that can arise in the world of hip-hop, where personal relationships often intertwine with professional ones. As fans and observers await the next developments, the tension between Rocky and Relli serves as a reminder of the potential for conflict in the entertainment industry, and the importance of navigating these challenges with care and integrity.
