A$AP Rocky has been found not guilty in his felony gun trial, bringing an end to a high-profile legal battle. The rapper, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, was accused of shooting his former friend A$AP Relli in 2021. If convicted, he could have faced up to 24 years in prison.
The verdict was announced on February 18 at the Los Angeles Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center. The courtroom erupted in cheers as A$AP Rocky hugged his attorneys. His longtime partner, Rihanna, was present for the emotional moment, sitting with their two sons, RZA and Riot Rose.
Why Was A$AP Rocky on Trial?
The case dates back to November 6, 2021, when A$AP Rocky and A$AP Relli, whose real name is Terell Ephron, had a confrontation in Hollywood. Prosecutors alleged that Rocky pulled out a semiautomatic gun and fired two shots, injuring Relli’s hand.
Ephron testified that he later found two shell casings at the scene. However, police could not recover any casings when they initially searched the area. Surveillance footage captured parts of the incident, but it did not clearly show a gun being fired.
Rocky’s defense team, led by high-profile attorney Joseph Tacopina, argued that the rapper was carrying a prop gun that only fired blanks. Tacopina claimed Rocky had taken the gun from a music video shoot and was using it as a security measure.
Jury Reaches Verdict in A$AP Rocky Trial
After a three-week trial, the jury deliberated for just three hours before finding A$AP Rocky not guilty. The decision confirmed that there was not enough evidence to convict him.
As soon as the verdict was read, Rocky jumped over a barrier and embraced Rihanna and his family. He thanked the jury, saying, “Thank y’all for saving my life.”
Tacopina stated that Rocky turned down a plea deal before the trial, which would have given him six months in jail and probation. He insisted on his innocence, and his gamble paid off.
What’s Next for A$AP Rocky?
Now that the legal battle is over, A$AP Rocky can focus on his career. The rapper is set to headline the Rolling Loud music festival in March. He will also co-chair the 2025 Met Gala alongside Rihanna, Pharrell Williams, LeBron James, and Lewis Hamilton.
Rocky will appear in Spike Lee’s upcoming film, Highest 2 Lowest, starring Denzel Washington, which is scheduled for release in early summer.
A$AP Rocky’s Legal History
This is not the first time A$AP Rocky has faced legal trouble. In 2019, he was arrested for assault in Sweden after a street fight. He was found guilty but avoided additional jail time. At age 16, he was arrested on attempted murder charges but was later released.
Despite his past, this latest case could have been the most serious. The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office stated, “Fame does not place anyone above the law.”
For now, A$AP Rocky is free and looking ahead to a promising year in music, fashion, and film.
