A$AP Rocky was found not guilty on Tuesday of felony assault charges stemming from a 2021 incident in which he was accused of firing a gun at a former friend and music collaborator in Hollywood.
The courtroom erupted in cheers as the verdict was read. The rapper rushed to embrace his family, including his partner, pop star Rihanna, who had been by his side throughout the trial.
“Thank y’all for saving my life. Thank you. Thank y’all. You’re making the right decision,” he told the jurors as they walked out.
Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, had been facing two counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm for allegedly shooting in the direction of Terrell Ephron, also known as A$AP Relli, during a confrontation. If convicted, he could have spent up to 24 years in prison.
The case was deeply personal. Mayers and Ephron were childhood friends and part of the Harlem-based rap collective A$AP Mob.
The trial, which began with jury selection on January 21, centred on Ephron’s testimony. He took the stand as the prosecution’s key witness, claiming that Mayers shot at him and that a bullet grazed his hand.
Mayers, however, chose not to testify.
One of the biggest points of contention was the gun—which was never recovered. Prosecutors argued it was real, while Mayers’ defense insisted it was just a “prop gun” that he carried for personal security.
Before the trial even began, prosecutors had offered Mayers a plea deal that included 180 days in jail, but he refused.
“Yes, he was offered a plea deal but is not interested because he is actually innocent,” his attorney, Joe Tacopina, confirmed.
(ABC News)
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