A California jury has found rapper A$AP Rocky not guilty of two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, clearing him of charges stemming from a 2021 shooting incident involving his former friend, A$AP Relli.
The highly publicized case revolved around an altercation in Hollywood on November 6, 2021, during which Relli alleged that Rocky fired a gun at him, grazing his knuckles. However, Rocky’s defense team argued that the firearm was a prop gun that only fired blanks and had been obtained from a music video set for security purposes.
The jury’s verdict was read on Tuesday, with Rocky’s longtime partner, global superstar Rihanna, present in the courtroom alongside their two young sons, RZA and Riot. After being acquitted, the rapper expressed gratitude, saying, “Thank y’all for saving my life.”
A$AP Twelvyy, another member of the A$AP Mob collective, testified in Rocky’s defense, claiming Relli was the aggressor in the dispute.
Surveillance footage captured part of the incident, but investigators did not recover any weapons or ammunition from the scene. Relli, however, turned over shell casings that he claimed to have collected after the altercation.
Prosecutors, led by LA County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman, maintained that Rocky fired a live round at Relli, but the jury ultimately ruled in favor of the defense, which argued Relli was motivated by financial interests and personal vendettas.
Following the verdict, Hochman stated, “While this was not the outcome we hoped for, we respect the jury’s decision and the integrity of our justice system.
Fame does not place anyone above the law, and we remain committed to seeking accountability for those who break it.”
With the trial behind him, A$AP Rocky is now expected to shift focus back to his music and business ventures. Rihanna, who stood by his side throughout the legal battle, has yet to make a public statement on the case.
[CNN]