Rapper A$AP Rocky has been cleared of all charges in a high-profile Los Angeles trial that could have resulted in a lengthy prison sentence.
A jury on Tuesday acquitted the musician, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, of two felony assault charges stemming from a 2021 altercation in Hollywood. The accusations carried a maximum penalty of 24 years behind bars.
The case centered around allegations made by Terell Ephron, a former associate and childhood friend, who claimed that Mayers fired a gun at him during a heated confrontation on November 6, 2021. Ephron alleged that one of the bullets grazed his hand.
Mayers, however, denied the accusations, stating that the gun was merely a prop and asserting that Ephron’s claims were financially motivated.
As the first not-guilty verdict was read, the courtroom erupted in cheers. Overcome with emotion, Mayers leaped over a wooden partition to embrace his family and longtime partner, Rihanna, who had been supporting him throughout the trial. When the second acquittal was announced, he turned to his legal team, visibly moved.
NOT GUILTY
A$AP ROCKY HAS BEAT HIS CASE AFTER THE JURY FINDS HIM NOT GUILTY ON ALL CHARGES
THE COURTROOM ERUPTED INTO CELEBRATION AS A$AP ROCKY JUMPS INTO THE THE GALLERY TO HUG RIHANNA pic.twitter.com/QrLqueSsCP
— THUGGERDAILY ひ (@ThuggerDaily) February 19, 2025
“Thank God for saving my life,” he said aloud, before expressing gratitude to the jury.
Mayers and Ephron’s friendship dates back to high school in New York, but their relationship soured over the years as A$AP Rocky’s career skyrocketed. The prosecution alleged that their dispute culminated in the alleged shooting outside a Hollywood hotel, just a block away from the Walk of Fame.
Rihanna celebrates A$AP Rocky being found not guilty for assault:
“THE GLORY BELONGS TO GOD AND GOD ALONE! THANKFUL, HUMBLED BY HIS MERCY! 🙏🏿” pic.twitter.com/JgYIsEmdU0
— Pop Base (@PopBase) February 19, 2025
With the legal battle behind him, Mayers is gearing up for a packed schedule. He is set to release his first solo album in nearly a decade and will co-headline Los Angeles’ Rolling Loud festival in March 2025.
In May, he will also take center stage at the prestigious Met Gala as a co-chair alongside Anna Wintour, Lewis Hamilton, Pharrell Williams, and LeBron James. Additionally, Mayers will appear in Spike Lee’s upcoming film Highest 2 Lowest, featuring Denzel Washington, set for release this summer.
Rihanna, who attended several court sessions, was present as the verdict was delivered, standing by his side as he walked free.
