Rapper A$AP Rocky has been acquitted of all charges in his high-profile gun assault trial. A Los Angeles jury unanimously found the artist not guilty on two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm.
The charges stemmed from a 2021 incident involving former collaborator A$AP Relli (Terell Ephron), who accused Rocky of shooting at him during an argument. If convicted, Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, could have faced up to 24 years in prison.
During closing arguments, Rocky's attorney Joe Tacopina strongly challenged Relli's credibility, calling him an "angry pathological liar" who committed perjury multiple times during testimony.
Following the verdict, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman stated that while the outcome wasn't what prosecutors sought, they respect the jury's decision and the justice system's integrity.
The 36-year-old rapper celebrated the verdict by leaping into girlfriend Rihanna's arms after hearing "not guilty." Rihanna, who attended the trial's closing arguments with their two young sons, later expressed gratitude on social media, writing "THE GLORY BELONGS TO GOD AND GOD ALONE!"
In response to the verdict, A$AP Relli posted a message on Instagram appearing to address his critics, stating that gossip and attempts to shame him don't affect his life.
The case's conclusion marks a major legal victory for Rocky, who has maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings. The rapper can now focus on his anticipated upcoming album, which faced delays due to the trial.