Rihanna’s baby daddy ASAP Rocky was sued for defamation by former ASAP Mob member ASAP Relli for his involvement in the 2021 shooting
Just days after it was revealed that the name of the rapper’s second child is ASAP Rocky and Rihanna’s Riot, the new father is facing a lawsuit from a former collaborator.
The 34-year-old rapper (born Rakim Athelaston Mayers) was sued for defamation by former ASAP Mob member ASAP Relli (born Terell Ephron), via TMZ.
Rocky and his attorney Joe Tacopina were sued by Relli, alleging that Tacopina conducted a press campaign on his client’s behalf following a shooting in November 2021.
Relli had claimed that Rocky shot him after an altercation in Hollywood, and when Tacopina went to the press to deny any wrongdoing by his client, Relli claimed that the lawyer had defamed him.
Rocky was arrested in connection with the incident in April 2022 at LAX, where he got off a private jet with Rihanna.
Lawsuit: Just days after it was revealed that the rapper’s second child is named ASAP Rocky and Rihanna Riot, the new father is facing a lawsuit from a former collaborator
Defamed: The 34-year-old rapper (née Rakim Athelaston Mayers) was sued for defamation by former ASAP Mob member ASAP Relli (née Terell Ephron), via TMZ
Rocky has pleaded not guilty in his pending criminal case, but Relli claims Tacopina defamed him at Rocky’s behest.
Relli claims that Tacopina’s press campaign portrayed him as a “liar, money grabber and extortionist.”
The lawyer spoke to many media outlets, including TMZ, where he stated, “Rocky did not commit a crime.”
“It was an extortion attempt by a former employee who threatened to make false, criminal accusations if Rocky didn’t pay him,” Tacopina added.
Relli claims in the lawsuit that he received death threats and online harassment because of Tacopina’s statements.
The death threats and harassment became so bad that he resorted to therapy, claiming the ordeal affected his sleep patterns and overall mental health.
Relli is seeking unspecified damages in the lawsuit, while Tacopino claims the lawsuit is nothing more than a “publicity stunt.”
“This is actually nothing more than a publicity stunt that will backfire badly,” Tacopino began.
Not Guilty: Rocky has pleaded not guilty in his criminal case, which is still pending, but Relli claims Tacopina defamed him at Rocky’s behest
Claims: Relli claims Tacopina’s press campaign portrayed him as a “liar, money grabber and extortionist.”
Publicity stunt: Relli is seeking unspecified damages in the lawsuit, although Tacopino claims the lawsuit is nothing more than a “publicity stunt”
“I more than welcome this lawsuit, especially since the criminal case has not yet been resolved,” Tacopino added.
“This gives this blackmailer the opportunity to make statements under oath before the conclusion of the criminal proceedings,” the lawyer insisted.
“This will expose the fraud he committed and, unfortunately for his lawyers, it will result in them having to pay legal fees in this case,” he claimed.
“You do not know the facts of this case or the actions taken by your client. “But I will be happy to educate you,” he concluded.