Rihanna‘s partner, A$AP Rocky was found not guilty on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, for shooting at former friend A$AP Relli in 2021 at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in Los Angeles, California, U.S.
The verdict which comes after three weeks of trial and testimony saw A$AP Rocky, known in private life as Rakim Mayers, being acquitted of all criminal charges in the case.
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It was alleged that in 2021, he fired a gun in the direction of his friend Terrell Ephron, previously known as A$AP Relli in Hollywood, California. The Grammy-nominated rapper had been charged with two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm.
During the three-week trial, A$AP Rocky did not take the stand to testify in the case. It is also known that he turned down prosecutors’ pre-trial plea deal of a six-month sentence before the trial.
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A$AP Rocky, overcome with joy after a juror delivered the first not-guilty verdict, embraced his defense team and then leaped into the audience to celebrate with Rihanna.
He took a moment to hug her and returned to his position to hear the second not-guilty verdict, which was met with a resounding cheer from the gallery.
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The father of two, was grateful to the 12-person jury, comprising five men and seven women as they came out of the courtroom. “Thank y’all for saving my life.”
This was because he faced up to 24 years in prison for the felony assault and if he had been convicted on all the charges against him. Although the criminal case against him is over, the 36-year-old rapper is also facing a separate civil lawsuit from his alleged victim Ephron.
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A$AP Rocky is slated to co-chair the Met Gala in May, and star in Spike Lee’s upcoming film “Highest 2 Lowest” later this year.
Throughout the three weeks trial, nine-time Grammy-winning recording artist, and Fenty Beauty founder was seen at the courthouse to show her support and concern for her love, and father to her two boys, 1-year-old Riot and 2-year-old RZA.
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“We want to thank God first and foremost,” Rocky told reporters outside the courthouse, surrounded by his legal team and Rihanna. “This is unbelievable.”
“I am thankful and blessed to be here, speaking to you all as a free man.”
Despite a setback in the case against Rocky, newly elected Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman emphasized his office’s commitment to holding everyone accountable for breaking the law, including celebrities.
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“We respect the jury’s decision and the integrity of our justice system, even though today’s verdict wasn’t what we sought,” Hochman stated Tuesday night. “Moving forward, our office will continue to pursue accountability for anyone who breaks the law, regardless of their position or power.”
Fame does not exempt anyone from the law, and we remain committed to seeking justice for victims and the community.
