A$AP Rocky Celebrates with Rihanna After Being Found Not Guilty in Los Angeles Gun Trial

Rapper A$AP Rocky, real name Rakim Mayers, was found not guilty on Tuesday in a high-profile felony assault trial in Los Angeles, bringing an end to a legal battle that had the world watching. The verdict came after a swift three-hour jury deliberation, clearing him of two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. If convicted, the 36-year-old artist could have faced up to 24 years in prison.

Upon hearing the not guilty verdict, Rocky turned to his supporters in the courtroom, attempting to embrace them in celebration, but in the excitement, he tripped and fell. However, that did not dampen the moment as he quickly got back up, overwhelmed with relief. "Thank y’all for saving my life," Mayers emotionally told the jurors as they exited the courtroom.

The Case Against A$AP Rocky

The prosecution accused Rocky of firing a gun twice at his former close friend and fellow rapper, A$AP Relli (real name Terrell Ephron), during a heated altercation on November 6, 2021, in Hollywood. Both men had been longtime members of the A$AP Mob, a hip-hop collective that had been together since their high school days.

Ephron, who served as the prosecution’s key witness, claimed that during the confrontation, Rocky pulled a firearm and fired two shots. Although he did not sustain any major injuries, he testified that one bullet grazed his knuckles. His testimony formed the backbone of the prosecution’s case, but the defense fiercely disputed his claims.

The Defense’s Counterargument

Rocky’s legal team, led by attorney Joe Tacopina, painted Ephron as a “pathological liar”, arguing that he fabricated the entire story. According to Tacopina, the gun in question was a prop firearm used in a music video, and no real bullets were ever fired. The defense also brought in two members of Rocky’s inner circle to support their claims, arguing that the entire case was built on false accusations.

In his closing argument, Tacopina did not hold back, labeling Ephron as someone who “committed perjury again and again and again.” He urged the jury to see through the lies and emphasized that Rocky was being unfairly targeted.

Rihanna’s Emotional Support in Court

Throughout the trial, global superstar Rihanna, Rocky’s longtime partner, stood firmly by his side. The couple shares two young sons, 2-year-old RZA Athelston Mayers and 1-year-old Riot Rose Mayers, and Rihanna ensured she was present for key moments of the proceedings.

However, Deputy District Attorney John Lewin suggested that bringing the children to court during closing arguments was an attempt to sway the jury’s emotions. He told the court, “They brought in two adorable children... You have to ask yourselves, why would children that age be here in a situation like this?”

Despite this, Rihanna’s support never wavered, and when the not guilty verdict was announced, she burst into tears and hugged Rocky’s defense lawyers, visibly relieved that the ordeal was finally over.

What’s Next for A$AP Rocky?

With the legal battle behind him, A$AP Rocky is now set for a major career comeback. He is scheduled to headline the Rolling Loud music festival in March, will serve as one of the celebrity co-chairs of the Met Gala in May, and is also starring in Spike Lee’s upcoming film, “Highest 2 Lowest,” alongside Denzel Washington, which is set for release in early summer.

His lawyer, Joe Tacopina, spoke to reporters after the verdict, expressing his joy at the outcome. “He’s not just an artist. He’s a good person, a great father, and someone who gives back to his community,” Tacopina said. “This case should have never been brought in the first place, and today, justice was served.”

For Rocky, this victory marks the beginning of a fresh chapter, one that allows him to focus on his family, music, and career, without the looming shadow of a potential prison sentence.