A$AP Rocky charged over Hollywood shooting
RAPPER A$AP Rocky has been charged with assault with a firearm in connection with a shooting in Hollywood last year.
A$AP Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, is alleged to have pointed the gun at a former friend during an argument in November.
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Prosecutors say he later fired the weapon twice in the direction of the victim, who sustained a minor injury.
The 33-year-old, who has had two US number one albums, could face up to nine years in prison if found guilty.
The rapper, who had a baby with singer Rihanna in May, is due to appear in court on Wednesday to answer two charges of assault with a semi-automatic firearm with allegations of personally using a firearm.
A$AP Rocky's lawyer had no immediate comment on the charges.
Rihanna is pregnant, expecting first baby with A$AP Rocky
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón 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."
News of the shooting broke in April when the star was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport as he returned from a holiday with Rihanna. He was released three hours later after posting bail of $550,000 (£421,000).
Police found multiple firearms at A$AP Rocky's home while serving a search warrant following his arrest.
A$AP Rocky arrested in connection with shooting
Terell Ephron, who is part of the A$AP Mob Hip-Hop collective, identified himself as the victim and sued his former friend last week, alleging assault and battery, negligence and emotional distress.
Mr Ephron, also known as A$AP Relli, alleged that A$AP Rocky had "lured" him to an obscure location in Hollywood to discuss a disagreement.
The lawsuit claims that, after a verbal altercation, Mr Mayers "pulled out a handgun and purposefully pointed it in the direction of Mr Ephron and fired multiple shots".
Mr Ephron was "struck by bullet projectile/fragments" in his left hand and required medical attention, according to the court papers. He is seeking at least $25,000 (£20,750) in damages.
Mr Mayers was previously given a two-year suspended sentence for his role in a brawl in Stockholm in August 2019.
As A$AP Rocky, he was one of the biggest breakout stars of the 2010s, earning eight platinum singles in the US including Wild For The Night, Everyday, LSD and A$AP Forever.
He rose to fame after being championed by Drake, and has worked with artists including Alicia Keys, Lana Del Rey, Skepta, Selena Gomez and Kendrick Lamar.
Last year, A$AP Rocky confirmed he was in a relationship with Rihanna, calling her the "love of my life" and "the one".