A$AP Rocky Acquitted of Felony Assault and Gun Charges, Escapes Potential 24-Year Sentence
A$AP Rocky was found not guilty on all felony assault charges following a three-week trial in Los Angeles, avoiding a potential 24-year prison sentence.
ASAP Rocky pointing while facing camera
Photo Credit: A$AP Rocky by Chad Cooper / CC by 2.0
The rapper, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, faced two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm stemming from a 2021 incident on Hollywood Boulevard. The case centered around allegations that Rocky fired shots at former friend A$AP Relli near the W Hotel.
Key points from the trial:
- Rocky's legal team argued the gun was a prop that fired blanks
- Multiple witnesses supported this claim, though the weapon was never recovered
- Defense attorney Joe Tacopina characterized accuser Terell Ephron (A$AP Relli) as "a perjury machine"
- Evidence showed Relli only sustained minor "knuckle scrapes" during the altercation
Following the verdict, Rocky embraced his legal team and partner Rihanna, who was present in the courtroom. The couple shares two children together.
Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman acknowledged the verdict, stating that while it wasn't their desired outcome, they respect the jury's decision and the justice system's integrity.
Rocky, a three-time Grammy nominee, is set to release his fourth studio album, "Don't Be Dumb," later this year.
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