Jury Acquits A$AP Rocky of Assault Charges After 2021 Hollywood Shooting Incident
Rapper A$AP Rocky, real name Rakim Mayers, has been found not guilty on two felony assault charges linked to an alleged Hollywood shooting incident in November 2021. The charges, which could have led to 24 years in prison, were dismissed following a jury verdict in Los Angeles.
The case stemmed from accusations by Terell Ephron (known as A$AP Relli), a former friend and fellow member of the A$AP Mob hip-hop collective. Ephron claimed that during a heated argument on a Hollywood street, A$AP Rocky fired a gun, grazing his knuckles.
However, Mayers denied the allegations, asserting the weapon was a prop gun and accused Ephron of fabricating the story for financial gain.
As the not-guilty verdict was read, the courtroom erupted in cheers and applause. An emotional A$AP Rocky leaped over a wooden barrier to embrace his family and longtime partner, Rihanna, who attended the hearing.
“Thank God for saving my life,” Mayers expressed, visibly emotional and thankful to the 12-person jury.
The acquittal paves the way for A$AP Rocky’s return to music and entertainment, with his first solo album in nearly a decade expected soon. He is also scheduled to co-headline Los Angeles’ Rolling Loud festival in March 2025 and will co-chair the 2025 Met Gala alongside stars like Rihanna, Pharrell Williams, LeBron James, and Lewis Hamilton.
Additionally, he is set to appear alongside Denzel Washington in Spike Lee’s upcoming film, “Highest 2 Lowest,” slated for release in summer 2025.
Source: BBC