California Judge Urges A$AP Relli to Drop Defamation Suit Against A$AP Rocky

A$AP Relli, born Terell Ephron, is facing significant legal and financial challenges in his defamation lawsuit against A$AP Rocky and his lawyer Joe Tacopina. After Rocky's acquittal in a 2025 criminal trial where he was found not guilty of shooting Relli during a 2021 dispute, Relli filed a defamation suit in 2023 claiming Rocky and Tacopina damaged his reputation. However, Los Angeles County Judge Randolph M. Hammock has strongly advised Relli to consider dropping the lawsuit to avoid a costly outcome, warning that Rocky's anti-SLAPP motion to dismiss on free speech grounds is likely to succeed. If dismissed, Relli risks owing tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees to Rocky's side, with an estimate of up to $50,000, even if he voluntarily drops the case. Relli, who has already spent over $500,000 on legal fees and is now representing himself after his previous law firm withdrew, was urged by the judge to negotiate a settlement potentially involving a dismissal in exchange for dropping fee claims. The case highlights the difficulties of pursuing defamation claims when free speech and public interest issues are involved, especially following a high-profile criminal acquittal.