A$AP Rocky, the Grammy-nominated rapper, was found not guilty on Tuesday of two felony assault charges related to a 2021 shooting incident in Los Angeles. The verdict, delivered after three hours of jury deliberation, marked the end of a highly publicized trial that could have led to a 24-year prison sentence for the artist.
Emotional Reaction in Court
As soon as the not guilty verdict was read, A$AP Rocky, born Rakim Mayers, leaped over a courtroom barrier to embrace his longtime partner, Rihanna. The couple, who share two young sons, celebrated the ruling, with Rihanna later posting on Instagram:
“The glory belongs to God and God alone! Thankful, humbled by his mercy!”
Rocky, visibly emotional, thanked the jury, saying:
“Thank y’all for saving my life.”
The Trial and Allegations
The case stemmed from a November 6, 2021, altercation between A$AP Rocky and his former friend and collaborator, Terell Ephron, also known as A$AP Relli.
Prosecutors alleged that Rocky fired a semi-automatic handgun at Relli in a Hollywood parking garage, grazing his hand. Surveillance footage showed Rocky holding a gun, which the prosecution used to argue their case.
The defense, however, insisted that the weapon was a prop gun used in music video productions. Witnesses, including A$AP Twelvyy, testified that Rocky fired blanks, not live ammunition. They argued that Relli was aware of the gun’s nature and exaggerated his claims for financial gain.
Relli’s Testimony and Legal Battle
During the trial, Relli maintained that Rocky intentionally fired at him and later sued the rapper in civil court for damages. His testimony was heated, with the judge at one point advising him to “take it easy” after an outburst in court.
Defense attorney Joe Tacopina attacked Relli’s credibility, calling him “a perjury machine”, and claimed his injuries were minor “knuckle scrapes”. The defense also pointed to Relli’s lawsuit against Rocky as proof of his financial motives.
Jury’s Decision and Lack of Physical Evidence
A major weakness in the prosecution’s case was the absence of the gun allegedly used in the shooting. Police never recovered a firearm, and Relli himself claimed to have found shell casings hours after the incident.
Texas-based criminal defense attorney Sam Bassett noted that the lack of a weapon worked in favor of the defense:
“Police failed to find the gun, and that became the strongest point for the defense.”
With no concrete physical evidence, jurors unanimously acquitted Rocky of both charges.
Rocky’s Future and Career
The acquittal comes at a crucial time for A$AP Rocky, who is set to headline Rolling Loud festival in March and co-chair the Met Gala in May. He also stars alongside Denzel Washington in a Spike Lee-directed film, slated for a summer release.
Tacopina praised his client’s decision to fight the charges:
“He turned down a plea deal because he was innocent. Now, he can move forward with his career and family.”
Rihanna’s Support and Final Moments in Court
Rihanna was present for much of the three-week trial, bringing the couple’s two young children to closing arguments. She slipped into the courtroom before the verdict was announced and was one of the first people Rocky embraced after the ruling.
As Rocky and his legal team exited the courthouse, he summed up his feelings in a post on X:
“Don’t Be Dumb.”
What’s Next?
With this ruling, Relli’s civil lawsuit against Rocky may face challenges, as the criminal case’s outcome weakens his claims. Meanwhile, Rocky returns to a life of music, fashion, and film, leaving behind a legal battle that could have derailed his career.
