In a significant legal victory, rapper A$AP Rocky, born Rakim Mayers, was acquitted of two felony assault charges in a Los Angeles court on February 18, 2025.
The charges stemmed from a 2021 incident in Hollywood, where he was accused of firing a semi-automatic firearm at former friend and A$AP Mob member, Terell Ephron, known professionally as A$AP Relli. The jury reached their verdict after approximately three hours of deliberation.
Throughout the trial, A$AP Rocky maintained his innocence, asserting that he had used a prop gun that fired blanks during the altercation. His defense attorney, Joe Tacopina, argued that the firearm in question was a prop used for protection, and that Ephron’s claims were financially motivated.
The trial commenced on January 24, 2025, and saw high-profile attendance, notably from Rihanna, A$AP Rocky’s partner, who was present in the courtroom alongside their two young children. Her unwavering support was evident as she attended multiple sessions, including the closing arguments.
Upon hearing the not guilty verdict, an emotional A$AP Rocky embraced Rihanna and his family. He expressed profound gratitude to the jury, stating, “Thank y’all for saving my life.”
Rihanna also took to social media to share her relief and thankfulness, attributing the favorable outcome to divine intervention.
The acquittal allows A$AP Rocky to continue his personal and professional life without the looming threat of a lengthy prison sentence, which could have been up to 24 years if convicted.
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