The jury found A$AP Rocky, the rapper and partner of Rihanna, not guilty in his trial on two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. The court delivered the verdict on February 18, 2025, after a three-week trial in Los Angeles. Rocky, whose legal name is Rakim Mayers, reacted emotionally, leaping into Rihanna’s arms as the courtroom erupted in cheers.
Here’s what we know so far about A$AP Rocky’s trial and verdict.
A$AP Rocky hugs Rihanna after the court verdict
The moment the Los Angeles jury announced the not guilty verdict, A$AP Rocky rushed into Rihanna’s arms. The courtroom filled with cheers as the rapper celebrated with his loved ones. Rihanna, sitting alongside A$AP Rocky’s mother and sister, stood by his side throughout the trial. As the jurors exited, Rocky thanked them, saying, “Thank y’all for saving my life” (via Associated Press).
Judge Mark Arnold formally dismissed the case, stating, “Mr. Mayers, you’re excused.” A$AP Rocky had turned down a plea deal before trial that would have resulted in six months in jail and probation. Prosecutors alleged that Rocky fired a gun at A$AP Relli in Hollywood on November 6, 2021. Relli testified that Rocky fired two shots, one of which grazed his knuckle. The defense argued that Rocky was carrying a prop gun that fired blanks, which he used as a warning shot.
Rocky’s attorney Joe Tacopina said in his closing argument, “He turned down a plea for almost no jail time because he was innocent.” He described Relli as “an angry pathological liar” who “committed perjury again and again and again and again.”
Deputy District Attorney John Lewin urged jurors, “You are not allowed to consider how this might affect Rihanna and his kids.” After the verdict, District Attorney Nathan Hochman reaffirmed the office’s commitment, stating, “Our office remains committed to seeking accountability for those who break the law, no matter their status.”
Outside the courthouse, Rocky said, “This whole experience has been crazy for the past four years. I’m thankful and it’s blessed to be here right now to be a free man talking to y’all.” Tacopina added, “That was raw emotion… Even for us it was insane.”
