A California jury has acquitted A$AP Rocky of two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm related to a 2021 shooting in Los Angeles. The rapper, whose real name is Rakim Athelston Mayers, faced allegations from former friend A$AP Relli, who claimed Rocky fired a gun at him during an altercation outside a Hollywood hotel.
During the trial, Rocky’s attorneys argued that the weapon in question was a prop gun taken from a music video set and only fired blanks. The rapper did not take the stand in his defense. His longtime partner, Rihanna, was present in the courtroom when the verdict was announced, showing her support alongside their two young children, RZA and Riot.
The case revolved around an incident that took place on November 6, 2021, when tensions between Rocky and Relli escalated into a confrontation. Relli testified that his knuckles were grazed by a bullet after Rocky allegedly fired a gun at him. However, a mutual friend, A$AP Twelvyy, provided a different account, stating that Relli was the aggressor and Rocky discharged the weapon as a warning. Twelvyy claimed the firearm was a starter pistol that only fired blanks, a detail that was crucial to the defense’s case.
Surveillance footage partially captured the altercation. However, no actual weapons or ammunition were recovered at the scene. As Relli provided investigators with shell casings he claimed to have collected, the prosecution argued that Rocky acted with intent to harm, while the defense portrayed Relli as someone driven by jealousy and financial motives.
After the verdict, Rocky expressed gratitude to the jury, acknowledging that their decision had saved his life. The Los Angeles County District Attorney, Nathan J. Hochman, stated that while the outcome was not what they had hoped for, they respected the jury’s decision and the legal process. He reiterated the importance of accountability, emphasizing that fame does not place anyone above the law.
Rihanna, celebrating the acquittal, took to Instagram, writing that she was “thankful and humbled.” She credited faith for the positive outcome, underscoring the couple’s reliance on spiritual guidance. Her presence throughout the trial, often accompanied by their children, underscored her unwavering support for Rocky.
The couple’s relationship, which began as a friendship, has been the subject of public fascination, with Rihanna previously sharing in an Interview Magazine feature that their bond deepened over time, beginning with a collaboration on her 2011 single “Cockiness (Love It).” Their connection was cemented further when they appeared together in Rocky’s “Fashion Killa” music video. Over the years, they continued to support each other’s creative endeavors, developing both personal and professional ties.
Rihanna also revealed that their transition from friendship to romance was slow and deliberate, only intensifying during the COVID-19 pandemic. She believed that the global lockdown accelerated their relationship, ultimately leading them to start a family sooner than expected.
Following the trial, Rocky shared a cryptic post on X (formerly Twitter), writing “Don’t Be Dumb,” a reference to his upcoming album, which has faced multiple delays. While he has remained relatively private about the case, his statement suggested a desire to move forward and refocus on his music career.
Rocky’s legal troubles had cast a shadow over his professional endeavors, but with this verdict, he can now shift his attention back to his work. As a prominent figure in hip-hop fashion, and entrepreneurship, his acquittal allows him to rebuild his public image and continue making strides in his industry.
As the dust settles on this high-profile case, the rapper’s supporters are celebrating his legal victory, while critics continue to question the circumstances surrounding the incident. The trial highlighted the complexities of personal conflicts within celebrity circles and the scrutiny that follows high-profile legal battles. With the case behind him, Rocky is now ready to move forward, focusing on his music, his family, and his future.
