After being described as “eager to tell his story” by his attorney, Joe Tacopina, A$AP Rocky has declined to testify in his gun assault case.

According to reports, the Harlem rapper, born Rakim Mayers, waived his rights to take the witness stand in downtown Los Angeles court on Tuesday, February 11. The defense team rested their case and is now set for closing arguments as Rocky is accused of assault with a semi-automatic firearm on two felony charges. The rapper is alleged to have shot his former friend, Terrell Ephron, formerly known as A$AP Relli, in Hollywood on November 6, 2021.

Just days before, the “Tailor Swif” artist made headlines for shouting at his friend A$AP Twelvyy, real name Jamel Phillips, who was on the witness stand when asked by prosecutors for the meaning of “AWGE.” The term refers to Rocky’s multimedia creative agency, founded in 2014.

“Don’t say it,” Rocky said from the defense table, as Twelvyy claimed not to have heard him and, therefore, did not explain what the name meant.

Rocky’s partner, Rihanna, with whom he shares two sons, has occasionally attended the trial since it began in late January. At times, the court proceedings became hostile between Epheron, who was on the stand when cross-examined by Tacopina. Although the defense has alleged that Epheron has attempted to extort Rocky, the accuser claims that the former friends had fallen out in the years since meeting in high school.

Ahead of the jury selection, Rocky turned down a plea deal, which included a 180-day jail term and a suspended sentence. The rapper now faces a maximum of 24 years.