On February 18, 2025, rapper A$AP Rocky, born Rakim Mayers, was found not guilty of two felony assault charges in a Los Angeles court.
The charges originated from a November 2021 incident in which he was accused of firing a handgun at former friend Terell Ephron, also known as A$AP Relli. The jury’s unanimous decision came after a three-week trial and approximately three hours of deliberation.
Upon hearing the verdict, an emotional A$AP Rocky leaped over the courtroom barrier to embrace his family and partner, Rihanna, who had been present throughout the trial. He expressed his gratitude to the jury, stating, “Thank y’all for saving my life.”
Rihanna also shared her relief on social media, writing, “The glory belongs to God and God alone! Thankful, humbled by His mercy!”
The defense argued that the firearm in question was a prop used in a music video and that Ephron was the aggressor during the altercation.
The prosecution was unable to produce the alleged weapon, and no physical evidence corroborated Ephron’s claims. Following the verdict, A$AP Rocky’s attorney, Joe Tacopina, emphasized the importance of the jury’s decision, stating, “Bottom line is we’re grateful for the jury; they saw through this barrage of a case.”
This verdict concludes a significant legal battle for A$AP Rocky, who faced the possibility of up to 24 years in prison if convicted. The case drew considerable public attention, partly due to Rihanna’s consistent support and presence during the proceedings.
For live coverage of the verdict announcement, you can watch the following video:
