A$AP Rocky was overcome with emotion on Tuesday when a Los Angeles court found him not guilty on two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. As soon as the verdict was read, Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, jumped from the defense table and into the arms of his partner, Rihanna. The courtroom, filled with fans and supporters, erupted in joy as the couple embraced and shed tears.
Quick Verdict After Three-Week Trial
The jury took just three hours to reach a decision after a trial that lasted three weeks. Had he been convicted, Rocky could have faced more than 20 years in prison. Instead, he walked free, thanking the jurors as they exited the courtroom.
“Thank y’all for saving my life,” he told them.
Rocky Rejected Plea Deal, Took a Risk
Before the trial began, prosecutors had offered Rocky a plea deal of six months in jail with probation if he admitted to one count. However, he refused, maintaining his innocence and putting his faith in the jury. That gamble paid off.
“Mr. Mayers, you’re excused,” Judge Mark Arnold told him after the verdict was finalized.
What Was the Case About?
The case stemmed from an incident on November 6, 2021, when Rocky allegedly fired a gun at his former friend and fellow A$AP Mob member, Terell Ephron (A$AP Relli), after a dispute in Hollywood. Relli claimed a bullet grazed his knuckle, while Rocky’s defense argued he had only fired a prop gun with blanks, which he had taken from a music video set months earlier. No actual firearm was presented as evidence during the trial.
Rocky’s lawyer, Joe Tacopina, painted Relli as “an angry pathological liar” and said he repeatedly gave false testimony. The defense also argued that Rocky fired the gun only as a warning to protect a friend from an attack by Relli.
Jury’s Decision: Reasonable Doubt
The jurors were instructed that if they believed Rocky was in immediate danger and acted in self-defense, they could find him not guilty. They were also told they didn’t need to agree on whether he used a prop gun or acted in self-defense—just that there was reasonable doubt about his guilt.
The jury reached its verdict swiftly and left the courthouse without speaking to reporters. The prosecution, however, remained firm in its stance.
“Our office remains committed to seeking accountability for those who break the law, no matter their status or influence,” said prosecutor John Lewin in a statement.
Rocky’s Bright Future
The verdict comes at a time when A$AP Rocky is enjoying massive success. He is set to headline the Rolling Loud music festival in March, serve as a celebrity co-chair for the Met Gala in May, and star alongside Denzel Washington in Spike Lee’s upcoming movie, “Highest 2 Lowest,” set for release in the summer.
Throughout the trial, Rihanna was a constant presence, attending several court sessions, even with their two young sons in tow. Prosecutors had warned the jury not to be swayed by her presence, but Tacopina argued that Rocky never wanted her to attend but couldn’t stop her.
“Wild horses couldn’t keep her away,” Tacopina said.
With the trial behind him, Rocky can now focus on his career and family without the looming threat of prison.