A$AP Rocky may have dodged criminal charges, but A$AP Relli isn’t abandoning his assault and battery lawsuit against the rapper.
During a Wednesday (February 26) hearing, Rolling Stone reported Relli’s lawyer confirmed plans to press forward with the case, stemming from a November 2021 shooting and first filed in August 2022. The lawsuit, stalled during the criminal case, is advancing after a judge lifted the stay and set a January 12, 2026 trial date—following pressure from Relli’s legal team. In court, Relli’s attorney, Melissa Mikail, voiced, “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.”
James Sargent, Rocky’s attorney in the case, argues a trial is unwarranted following the outcome of the recent proceedings, stating to 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 informed Rolling Stone outside the courtroom that they have no intention of settling with Relli, saying, “We look forward to full vindication. The plaintiff can take a sober assessment of the outcome of the criminal case and change course.” The case’s next hearing is scheduled for May 28.
Relli Fires Back as Trial Fallout Sparks Wave of Public Scorn
Opening on January 24, the trial concluded nearly three weeks later on February 14.
Jurors convened on February 18, delivering a unanimous not guilty verdict after roughly three hours of deliberation. Following the verdict, Relli broke his silence and responded defiantly to his critics. “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 said on IG Stories. “Your existence doesn’t add any value in my life [praying hands emoji].”
Relli has weathered heavy backlash in the wake of the trial’s outcome. 50 Cent, a vocal ally of Rocky throughout the case, mocked him as “A$AP Telli” in a triumphant Instagram post. A$AP Ant, another A$AP Mob alum, condemned Relli on X, calling him a “stupid fool” and accusing him of turning informant beneath a photo of his courtroom testimony.
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