A Los Angeles jury has unanimously ruled that A$AP Rocky was not guilty in felony assault charges, putting an end to a high-profile trial against fellow A$AP Mob member.
- Feb 19, 2025
AceShowbiz - A$AP Rocky breathed a sigh of relief as he was found not guilty on two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. The charges stemmed from a November 2021 incident in Hollywood involving his former friend and A$AP Mob collective member, Terell "A$AP Relli" Ephron.
The three-week trial, which concluded with heated closing arguments and contentious courtroom exchanges, maintained public intrigue partly due to the frequent presence of Rihanna, Rocky's longtime partner. The pop superstar even brought their two young sons, RZA and Riot, to show support during closing arguments.
Tensions flared when prosecutor John Lewin clashed with defense attorney Joe Tacopina, accusing each other of unethical behavior and perjury. The jury deliberated for just three hours before delivering their unanimous verdict.
Rocky had consistently maintained his innocence, refusing a plea deal that involved a six-month jail term. He faced the possibility of up to 24 years in prison if convicted. His defense argued that the gun in question was merely a prop from a music video set, used only to fire blanks.
Key testimony came from A$AP Twelvyy, who stated that Rocky fired the shots to diffuse an altercation involving Ephron and another group member, A$AP Illz. Photos of Ephron's injuries, described by Tacopina as "knuckle scrapes," were presented to challenge the severity of the claims.
In contrast, Ephron testified that Rocky had aimed a gun at his head and stomach, with one bullet grazing his hand. The prosecution argued that Rocky's actions were premeditated, but the lack of physical evidence, such as the gun itself, seriously undermined their case.
Rocky's reaction to the verdict was one of profound relief. "Thank y'all for saving my life," he told the jurors, a sentiment echoed by his joyous supporters in the courtroom.
Now, with his legal battles behind him, Rocky can focus on his flourishing career, headlining the Rolling Loud festival in March and serving as a co-chair at the Met Gala. He's also set to star in Spike Lee's upcoming film "Highest 2 Lowest."
This trial, though daunting, has not dimmed Rocky's stardom. Instead, it has reinforced his commitment to his art and his family, marking a new chapter in his already noteworthy career.
