A$AP Rocky found not guilty in felony assault trial: Rapper acquitted of 2021 shooting charges
After a highly publicized trial, A$AP Rocky has been acquitted of felony assault charges related to a 2021 shooting. The rapper was found not guilty, avoiding a potential 24-year sentence. Here’s what happened in court and what’s next for his career.
A$AP Rocky, whose legal name is Rakim Mayers, has been acquitted of felony assault charges in connection to a 2021 shooting incident. After a closely watched trial in Los Angeles, a jury found the rapper not guilty of allegations that he fired a handgun at his former friend, Terell Ephron (A$AP Relli). The verdict comes after weeks of testimony, with Rocky maintaining his innocence and rejecting a plea deal that could have led to a six-month sentence. If convicted, he faced up to 24 years in prison.
The high-profile case drew national attention, especially with Rihanna, Rocky’s partner, present in court to support him. With the legal battle now behind him, the rapper is focusing on his music career, preparing for the release of his upcoming album "Don’t Be Dumb" in 2025.
A breakdown of the 2021 shooting incident
The case revolved around a 2021 shooting incident involving A$AP Rocky and his former high school friend, Terell Ephron, known as A$AP Relli. Both were members of the A$AP Mob, a creative collective they co-founded as teenagers in New York.
A$AP Relli, testifies during A$AP Rocky's felony assault trial. Photo: BBC
During his testimony, Relli claimed that tensions escalated when they met outside a Hollywood hotel on November 6, 2021, leading to a physical altercation. He told investigators that his knuckles were grazed by a bullet after Rocky allegedly fired shots at him.
While Rocky waived his right to testify, there was partial footage of the scene captured on a surveillance video.
Inside the trial
A$AP Twelvyy, a mutual friend and fellow A$AP Mob member, testified during the trial that Relli was the aggressor and that A$AP Rocky fired the gun as a warning shot, according to the Associated Press. Twelvyy also stated that Rocky had been carrying a starter pistol for self-defense for months, and that the gun only fired blanks.
Investigators did not find any weapons or ammunition at the scene, though Relli later turned over shell casings, claiming he had recovered them after the altercation. Rocky’s defense team argued that Relli was motivated by jealousy, dishonesty, and financial gain, alleging that his accusations were driven by an attempt to profit from the case.
Following the not guilty verdict, LA County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman acknowledged the outcome was not what the prosecution had hoped for but stated that they respect the jury’s decision and the integrity of the justice system.