A$AP Rocky’s Accuser Is Continuing Lawsuit Against Rapper Despite Trial Verdict

A$AP Rocky‘s accuser may have lost the criminal trial, but he’s not backing down in his assault and battery lawsuit against the rapper for the same matter.

Rolling Stone reported Wednesday (February 26) that a lawyer for A$AP Relli (real name Terell Ephron) confirmed in a court hearing that they will move forward with the suit that he filed in August 2022 over the November 2021 incident.

The suit was on hold as the criminal trial played out, but now that it’s over and Relli’s team wants to move forward, a judge has lifted the stay and set a trial date of January 12, 2026.

Relli’s lawyer, Melissa Mikail, said in court: “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.”

Rocky’s lawyer in the suit,  James Sargent, doesn’t believe there should even be a trial based on the outcome of the recent one, telling the judge: “My position is there’s no longer a basis for them. Mr. Ephron testified in the criminal case as to the facts and circumstances. The jury’s acquittal speaks volumes as to how they valued that testimonial evidence.”

Sargent also told Rolling Stone outside the court they will not settle with Relli, adding: “We look forward to full vindication. The plaintiff can take a sober assessment of the outcome of the criminal case and change course.”

The next hearing in the matter is set for May 28.

After kicking off on January 24, the trial came to a close after nearly three weeks on Friday (February 14). The jury gathered to deliberate on Tuesday (February 18) and after around three hours, they unanimously declared Rocky not guilty on both counts of felony assault.

In his first public statement since the verdict, Relli took on a defiant tone as he hit out at his detractors.

“Gossiping is a form of entertainment for people who have no meaningful goals or purpose in life, hate me, bring shame to my name, say bad things about me, I don’t care,” he wrote on his Instagram Stories.

related news

Tyler, The Creator Says He Almost Fainted At A$AP Rocky's Verdict In Shooting Trial

February 21, 2025

“Your existence doesn’t add any value in my life [praying hands emoji],” he added.

Relli has faced much criticism since losing the trial. 50 Cent, one of Rocky’s biggest supporters throughout the ordeal, branded him “A$AP Telli” in a celebratory Instagram post.

Fellow A$AP Mob alumnus A$AP Ant also took aim at Relli, writing on X: “Stupid fool really turnt rat” alongside a photo of him testifying on the witness stand.