A$AP Rocky Found Not Guilty in Felony Assault Case
Rapper A$AP Rocky has been acquitted of two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, following allegations that he fired a gun at his former friend and bandmate during a heated altercation in 2021.
The 36-year-old artist, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, showed visible relief as the verdict was read in a Los Angeles courtroom on Tuesday. Cheers erupted from his supporters in the gallery, and he embraced both them and his legal team in an emotional moment.
“First of all, we want to thank God,” A$AP Rocky said outside Los Angeles Superior Court following the decision. “We really want to thank the jury for making the right decision.”
The verdict marks the conclusion of a highly publicized case that had drawn intense scrutiny. Now cleared of the charges, A$AP Rocky can turn his focus back to his career and family.
A$AP Rocky Found Not Guilty in Felony Assault Case
Rapper A$AP Rocky has been acquitted on two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, following allegations that he fired a gun at his former friend and bandmate, Terell Ephron (A$AP Relli), during a dispute in 2021.
The 36-year-old rapper, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, celebrated the verdict in a Los Angeles courtroom on Tuesday, embracing his legal team and supporters as cheers erupted from the gallery.
“We’re blessed to be here right now, to be a free man talking to y’all,” Mayers said outside Los Angeles Superior Court.
The Trial and the Arguments
The jury’s decision followed a three-week trial, during which Los Angeles County prosecutors painted Mayers as an aggressor who shot Ephron over a personal dispute. Had he been convicted, Mayers could have faced up to 24 years in prison, though prosecutors had sought an eight-year sentence.
In his closing argument, Deputy District Attorney Paul Przelomiec framed the case around one key question:
“Did Mr. Mayers use a real gun or a fake gun? That’s the only thing in dispute.”
The defense countered by arguing that Ephron was the aggressor and had attacked Mayers twice on the night of the alleged shooting. Defense attorney Joe Tacopina claimed Mayers carried a prop gun for safety reasons and only fired to protect a friend from Ephron’s assault.
Rihanna, Mayers’ partner, was present in court with their two children during the final days of trial, demonstrating her support.
Mayers Stood by His Innocence
Mayers, who pleaded not guilty, declined to take the stand at trial and rejected a pre-trial plea deal that would have resulted in 180 days in jail.
“I want my right not to testify,” he told Superior Court Judge Mark Arnold.
Following the verdict, his attorney Chad Seigel stood beside him as reporters swarmed outside the courthouse.
“We’re grateful to the jury,” Seigel said. “They saw through this mirage of a case.”
He added that Mayers refused a plea deal with no jail time because he was innocent.
Questions Over the Evidence
Speaking outside the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center, Tacopina argued that the prosecution’s case lacked solid evidence.
“There’s not enough evidence in this case to say definitively there was a shooting,” he stated.
He also dismissed speculation that Rihanna’s court appearances were a publicity stunt, insisting that they reflected the couple’s commitment to each other and their family.
The Allegations vs. The Defense
Prosecutors had accused Mayers of brandishing a semiautomatic pistol near a Hollywood hotel, pointing it at Ephron, and saying, “I’m going to kill you.” They claimed he fired twice, with one bullet allegedly grazing Ephron’s hand.
Ephron testified that the first shot burned his hand, leading him to grab A$AP Illz, another member of the collective, to use as a shield.
“I’m just trying not to get hit at this point,” Ephron told the court.
He further claimed that Mayers was running toward him while shooting.
However, the defense painted Ephron as the aggressor. Witnesses, including A$AP Twelvyy (Jamel Phillips) and Mayers’ tour manager, testified that the weapon was only a prop gun—a starter pistol that Mayers carried due to past incidents, including a 2018 stabbing and home invasions.
Phillips also alleged that Ephron taunted Mayers, saying, “Shoot that fake … gun.”
Prosecutors Stand by the Case
Although the verdict did not go their way, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman defended the decision to prosecute the case, stating:
“While today’s verdict is not the outcome we sought, we respect the jury’s decision and the integrity of our justice system.”
“Our office remains committed to seeking accountability for those who break the law, no matter their status or influence. Fame does not place anyone above the law.”
A Supportive Crowd
Following the verdict, a crowd of A$AP Rocky supporters gathered outside the courthouse, celebrating his acquittal.
“He’s got a lot of fans,” Tacopina said. “That doesn’t happen just because he’s a singer. That happens because of who he is as a person.”
With the legal battle now behind him, Mayers can move forward with his career and family—a victory his supporters say is well-deserved.
