A Los Angeles jury has found rapper A$AP Rocky not guilty of two felony assault charges related to an alleged shooting incident in Hollywood in 2021. The case centered on accusations that Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, pointed a firearm at his former friend, Terell Ephron (also known as A$AP Relli), and fired in his direction. Ephron claimed he sustained a minor injury from a bullet grazing his hand, but Rocky’s legal team maintained his innocence throughout the trial.
During the proceedings, Rocky’s defense argued that there was no credible evidence linking him to the alleged shooting. They claimed the firearm in question was merely a prop used for a music video and that Ephron had fabricated the allegations. Surveillance footage and testimonies from witnesses were presented, but the jury ultimately found the evidence insufficient to convict the rapper. The trial lasted three weeks, followed by a brief period of deliberation before the jury reached its verdict.
Rocky, who was facing the possibility of prison time if convicted, expressed his gratitude to the jury upon hearing the verdict. “Thank y’all for saving my life,” he reportedly said with tears in his eyes. His longtime partner, Rihanna, who attended the trial alongside their two children, also reacted with relief, later sharing a message on social media thanking God for the outcome. The rapper’s supporters celebrated outside the courtroom, calling the decision a victory for justice.
Despite the acquittal, the legal battle is not entirely over, as Ephron has filed a civil lawsuit against Rocky. He is seeking damages for the alleged incident, which could lead to further legal proceedings in the coming months
