In a high-stakes trial that captured widespread attention, rapper A$AP Rocky has emerged victorious after facing serious criminal charges that could have dramatically altered his life and career. The Los Angeles courtroom drama, which drew celebrity attention and intense media scrutiny, concluded with a verdict that allows the hip-hop artist to move forward with his ambitious plans for 2024.
Jury acquits A$AP Rocky in Hollywood shooting case
The 36-year-old performer, whose legal name is Rakim Mayers, was found not guilty of two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. The charges stemmed from a November 2021 incident involving former friend and A$AP Mob associate A$AP Relli on a Hollywood street.
Following the verdict, an emotional Rocky expressed his gratitude to the jury, stating, “Thank y’all for saving my life.” The artist had faced a potential 24-year prison sentence if convicted, having rejected a plea deal that would have required only six months in jail.
Details of the disputed incident
The case centered on conflicting accounts of a confrontation between Rocky and A$AP Relli. Prosecutors alleged that Rocky fired a handgun twice at Relli during a dispute, reportedly grazing his knuckle. However, the defense presented a different narrative, claiming Rocky had used a prop gun that only fired blanks, which he had previously acquired from a music video set.
Defense attorney Joe Tacopina strongly challenged Relli’s credibility, describing him as “an angry pathological liar” who “committed perjury again and again and again and again.” The defense team’s argument about the prop gun wasn’t presented to authorities until the trial began, three years after the incident.
Impact on Rocky’s career and family
The verdict comes at a crucial time for Rocky’s career, with several high-profile projects on the horizon. He is set to headline the Rolling Loud music festival in March, serve as co-chair at the prestigious Met Gala in May, and star alongside Denzel Washington in Spike Lee’s upcoming film “Highest 2 Lowest.”
His partner Rihanna, who attended portions of the trial, was present for the verdict with their two young sons – 2-year-old RZA Athelston Mayers and 1-year-old Riot Rose Mayers. When the verdict was announced, she was seen crying and embracing the defense lawyers.
Prosecutor John Lewin had cautioned jurors against letting the defendant’s celebrity status or family situation influence their decision, particularly noting Rihanna’s presence with their children during closing arguments. “You are not allowed to consider how this might affect Rihanna and his kids,” Lewin told the jury. “We are all responsible for our own actions in the world.”
