A$AP Rocky's accuser pushes civil lawsuit forward despite not guilty verdict
A$AP Rocky may have been acquitted in his criminal trial, but his legal battle isn't over yet. His accuser, A$AP Relli (real name Terell Ephron), is proceeding with his civil lawsuit against the rapper, claiming assault and battery over a 2021 incident.
According to Rolling Stone, Relli's attorney, Melissa Mikail, confirmed during a court hearing that the lawsuit, originally filed in August 2022, will continue. A judge has now lifted the stay on the case and scheduled a trial date for January 12, 2026.
'The standard in a criminal case is much higher than the preponderance of the evidence standard in a civil matter,' Mikail stated. 'We still believe that our claims have merit, and we intend on fully litigating them.'
Rocky's attorney, James Sargent, dismissed the lawsuit, arguing that the jury's unanimous not-guilty verdict in the criminal trial should put an end to the matter. 'There's no longer a basis for them,' he told the judge.
'Mr. Ephron testified in the criminal case, and the jury's acquittal speaks volumes.' Speaking outside the courtroom, Sargent made it clear they have no plans to settle, saying, 'We look forward to full vindication.'
Relli, who has faced backlash online for continuing the case, remained defiant in a statement on Instagram. 'Gossiping is a form of entertainment for people who have no meaningful goals or purpose in life,' he wrote. 'Hate me, bring shame to my name, say bad things about me—I don't care.'
A$AP Mob members and other public figures have mocked Relli since Rocky's acquittal, with 50 Cent calling him 'A$AP Telli' and A$AP Ant posting, 'Stupid fool really turnt rat' alongside an image of Relli testifying in court.
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for May 28.
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