US Court Finds Rapper A$AP Rocky Not Guilty of Assault Charges
Rapper A$AP Rocky has been found not guilty of two counts of felony assault after a Los Angeles court trial on Tuesday. The musician, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, faced allegations of shooting at former friend Terell Ephron, also known as A$AP Relli, during a 2021 altercation in Hollywood.
If convicted, A$AP Rocky could have faced more than 20 years in prison. However, after weeks of testimony, the jury cleared him of all charges, prompting an emotional response from the artist, who hugged supporters in relief.
Prosecutors had alleged that Mayers fired a nine-millimeter semi-automatic weapon at Ephron, grazing his hand. The defense countered, arguing that no weapon or shell casings were found at the scene and that Ephron fabricated the story to extort money from Mayers.
Attorney Joe Tacopina maintained that the alleged gun was a harmless prop, stating, “The jury saw through this mirage of a case.” He also suggested that authorities should investigate Ephron for perjury and extortion.
A$AP Rocky, who has two children with singer Rihanna, has not yet issued a public statement regarding the verdict. Rihanna, a frequent presence at the trial, has also remained silent.
The rapper is known for hit album Long. Live. A$AP and At. Long. Last. A$AP, previously faced legal trouble in Sweden in 2019 after a street altercation that drew diplomatic attention from then-president Donald Trump.
