LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: ASAP Rocky is now the subject of a defamation lawsuit brought against him by former collaborator ASAP Relli (born Terell Ephron), as reported by TMZ.
The lawsuit claims that Rocky and his attorney, Joe Tacopina, were sued for defamation by Relli in response to a press campaign orchestrated by Tacopina on behalf of his client, following a shooting incident in November 2021.
Why is ASAP Relli suing ASAP Rocky?
ASAP Relli alleged that ASAP Rocky shot him following an altercation in Hollywood. He says ASAP Rocky's lawyer, Tacopina, defamed him when he denied Rocky's wrongdoing in the press.
Rocky was arrested for this incident in April 2022 at LAX, where he had arrived on a private jet with Rihanna.
ASAP Rocky has pled not guilty
Rocky has entered a plea of not guilty in his ongoing criminal case, but Relli is claiming that Tacopina, acting on Rocky's behalf, defamed him. Relli contended that Tacopina's media efforts portrayed him as "a liar, a money grabber, and an extortionist."
Tacopina said, "Rocky didn't commit a crime. It was an extortion attempt by a former associate, who threatened to make false, criminal accusations if Rocky didn't pay him."
In his lawsuit, Relli claims that he has been subjected to death threats and online harassment as a direct consequence of Tacopina's statements. The severity of these threats and harassment has led him to seek therapy, as the ordeal has adversely impacted his sleep patterns and overall mental well-being.
ASAP Relli's lawsuit is allegedly a 'publicity stunt'
Relli is seeking unspecified damages through this lawsuit, while Tacopina characterizes the legal action as nothing more than a "publicity stunt."
"This is actually nothing more than a publicity stunt which is going to backfire badly," Tacopino said.
"I more than welcome this lawsuit especially because the resolution of the criminal case has not happened yet," Tacopino added.
"This opens up this extortionist to depositions under oath now before the resolution of the criminal case. It will expose the fraud he committed and unfortunately for his lawyers, it will cause them to be responsible for legal fees in this case," he alleged.
"They don't know the facts of this case or the actions taken by their client. But, I will be more than happy to educate them," Tacopina concluded.
