A$AP Rocky, the hip-hop star whose real name is Rakim Mayers, was found not guilty of felony assault charges by a Los Angeles jury on Tuesday, marking the end of a high-profile trial stemming from a November 2021 incident where he was accused of firing shots at his former friend and fellow rapper, A$AP Relli, real name Terrell Ephron. The verdict brought relief for the rapper, who faced up to 24 years in prison if convicted, and cheers erupted from his supporters, including his partner Rihanna, who attended the courtroom to show her support throughout the trial.
The trial began with jury selection on January 24, 2024, and included testimonies from key witnesses. Relli, who served as the star witness for the prosecution, claimed during his testimony on the stand, "My hand was grazed by a bullet." He alleged the shooting occurred during an argument with Rocky on November 6, 2021, outside The W Hotel. Relli recounted the dramatic incident, but Rocky's defense team strongly contested his story, arguing he fired only a prop gun, which was incapable of inflicting harm.
Rocky chose not to testify during the trial, but his attorney, Joe Tacopina, painted Relli as someone who had weaponized their friendship for personal gain. Tacopina posited, "Yes, he was offered a plea deal but is not interested because he is actually innocent." The suggested plea would have required Rocky to serve 180 days of jail time, which he rejected.
The jurors, composed of seven women and five men, deliberated for just under four hours before unanimously delivering the 'not guilty' verdict. When the verdict was announced, A$AP Rocky leaped from his seat, rushing to embrace Rihanna, who had been deeply invested throughout the trial process. "Thank y’all for saving my life," he exclaimed to the jurors as they left the courtroom.
The incident at the center of this case had begun with tensions between the former friends, which escalated before culminating in the shooting claim. Relli had accused Rocky of breaking promises, particularly concerning assisting with the funeral expenses of another A$AP Mob member, which created discord. Add to this the history the two shared as long-time friends turned adversaries, and the backdrop became rife with drama and speculation.
During the trial, prosecutors contended Rocky had fired two shots from a handgun. The absence of the actual gun only complicated matters, with no forensic evidence linking Rocky to the shooting. Tacopina argued throughout the trial for the defense, adamantly maintaining Rocky's innocence and citing the fact he had carried the gun from the set of a music video shoot for security purposes. This notion of the gun being merely a prop capable of shooting blanks was reiterated repeatedly.
The courtroom was tense as the prosecution attempted to convince jurors of the validity of Relli's accusations. They asserted, "Mr. Ephron wants to get paid because he was the victim of a real crime by a real gun." Statements like this underscored the legal duel and the stakes for both sides.
Rihanna’s solidarity was notable throughout the proceedings, as she made several appearances, sometimes accompanied by their two young sons. Reports suggested she brought their children to the courtroom during closing arguments, displaying the couple's commitment to family during this turbulent time.
After news broke of the not-guilty verdict, Tacopina shared his relief and joy outside the courthouse, saying, "This is one of the happiest days of my life," asserting their dedication to proving Rocky's innocence. With the star now free, he can channel his focus back to his career, which has experienced interruptions due to the legal issues surrounding this case.
The verdict emerges at a significant juncture for A$AP Rocky, who is poised to headline upcoming music festivals, including the prestigious Rolling Loud, and star alongside Denzel Washington in Spike Lee's forthcoming film, Highest 2 Lowest. With the trial behind him, he looks forward to resuming his career and family life without the looming threat of prison.
Rocky stated gratitude for the jury's verdict, particularly for offering him the chance to continue pursuing his music and family aspirations. The resolution of this legal battle allows him to step back onto the public stage, continuing to influence the world of hip-hop and beyond, all the more poignant following his turbulent year.
This landmark trial, marked by celebrity courtroom appearances, public scrutiny, and questions over justice, showcases the intersection of fame and legal realities, reminding one and all of the pressures celebrities face even amid personal challenges.