A$AP Rocky has pleaded not guilty to allegations he fired a gun at a former friend and collaborator outside a Hollywood hotel in 2021.
A Los Angeles judge had previously found there was enough evidence for the rapper to stand trial after hearing testimony at a preliminary hearing.
Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, pleaded not guilty to two felony counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm.
He allegedly pointed a handgun at Terell Ephron in November 2021 and allegedly fired the weapon in his direction in a subsequent confrontation.
After the musician entered his plea, Superior Court Judge Karla Kerlin set the next pre-trial date for 6 March – and the court heard a trial must take place within 45 days after that date.
Read more entertainment news:
Actor calls for immediate ban on ‘zombie’ knives
Wife of singer James Morrison found dead
Andrew Tate to regain access to supercars and properties
Outside court, defence lawyer Joe Tacopina said the rapper was confident he would be vindicated and was eager to get a trial “over with so he can start enjoying his family”, Rolling Stone reported.
He could be handed a sentence of up to 24 years in prison if convicted on all charges, prosecutors said.
The 35-year-old Grammy nominee and fashion mogul is in a relationship with Rihanna, with whom he has two young sons, RZA and Riot Rose.
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky at the 2023 Met Gala. Pic: AP
Sitting in court wearing a grey suit with a white pin-striped shirt and navy striped tie, the rapper wished the judge a Happy New Year and gave his lawyers authorisation to appear on his behalf without his attendance at future hearings.
Rocky was previously given a two-year suspended sentence for assault during a fight in Stockholm, Sweden, in August 2019.