Rapper A$AP Rocky was acquitted Tuesday of two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm in a Los Angeles courtroom, concluding a three-week trial that stemmed from a 2021 shooting incident.
The 36-year-old musician, whose legal name is Rakim Mayers, faced up to 24 years in prison if convicted of shooting at his former friend and A$AP Mob member Terell Ephron (known as A$AP Relli) during a confrontation near a Hollywood hotel.
After roughly three hours of deliberation, the jury delivered their not guilty verdict, prompting celebratory cheers in the courtroom. Mayers immediately embraced his legal team and supporters, including his partner Rihanna, who attended multiple trial dates alongside their two children.
"We want to thank God," Mayers said outside the courthouse. "We really want to thank the jury for making the right decision."
The prosecution alleged Mayers pointed a semiautomatic pistol at Ephron during a heated argument, threatening to kill him before firing two shots. Ephron claimed one bullet grazed his hand. However, the defense maintained that Mayers carried a prop gun loaded with blanks for personal security, which he discharged to prevent an assault.
Defense attorney Joe Tacopina argued that Ephron, motivated by jealousy, had actually attacked Mayers twice that night. Multiple witnesses, including A$AP Mob member Jamel Phillips and Rocky's tour manager, testified that the weapon in question was indeed a prop gun.
Prior to the trial, Mayers rejected a plea deal that would have resulted in 180 days of jail time. His attorney Chad Seigel noted that his client "turned down a plea for no jail time because he was innocent."
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman responded to the verdict stating, "While today's verdict is not the outcome we sought, we respect the jury's decision and the integrity of our justice system."