A$AP Rocky’s legal team is claiming that the rapper fired “two warning shots” from a prop gun during an alleged dispute in 2021.

Opening statements began on Friday, January 24, during the Harlem artist’s firearm assault trial, where he’s accused of two counts of assault connected to the alleged shooting of his former friend, Terell Ephron, a previous A$AP Mob member. Prosecutors claim that in November 2021, Rocky, born Rakim Meyers, and Ephron were involved in a confrontation in Hollywood, where Ephron’s left hand was allegedly struck by bullets.

But on Friday, according to the “Los Angeles Times,” Rocky’s lawyer, Joseph Tacopina, stated that while Rocky admitted to pulling the trigger, the gun was merely a “starter gun” fired to break up a fight between Ephron and A$AP Illz, real name Illijah Ulanger. It was also claimed that the prop weapon was used in a music video shoot that Rocky filmed months before, alongside his partner and the mother of his two sons, Rihanna.

“Rocky fired that prop gun,” Tacopina said. “He fired twice, hoping the sound would be enough to scare off Relli and protect Illz.”

He also asserted that those close to Rocky were aware of his "fake gun," used to "scare off attackers" after past instances of being stalked and subjected to violence.

Instead, Tacopina pointed to Ephron, saying that the case was focused on “one mans’ lies, jealousy and greed.” “Ladies and gentleman, this case is all about money. The evidence will show it’s nothing more than a money grab,” he continued. “The evidence will make clear Relli is trying to leverage a fabricated story to extract money.”

On Tuesday, January 21, as the jury selection of Rocky’s trial began, he rejected the prosecution's final plea deal of 180 days in jail, seven-year suspended sentence and three years of probation. If found guilty, he could serve up to 24 years behind bars.