A$AP Rocky has been cleared of all charges in a high-profile case that could have landed him behind bars for decades.
A Los Angeles jury on Tuesday acquitted the rapper, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, of two felony assault charges stemming from a 2021 incident in Hollywood. The charges carried a maximum sentence of 24 years in prison.
The case revolved around allegations made by Terell Ephron, a former friend of A$AP Rocky and fellow member of the A$AP Mob hip-hop collective. Ephron accused the Grammy-nominated artist of shooting at him during an argument on November 6, 2021, with one bullet allegedly grazing his knuckles.
However, Mayers vehemently denied the accusations, claiming the gun was merely a prop and that Ephron, known as A$AP Relli, was motivated by financial gain.
As the jury delivered its verdict, the courtroom erupted in cheers. Overcome with emotion, A$AP Rocky leaped over a wooden barrier to embrace his family and longtime partner, global pop icon Rihanna. He then hugged his legal team, his eyes welling with tears as the second not-guilty verdict was read.
“Thank God for saving my life,” Mayers declared, before turning to thank the jury for their decision.
The legal battle stemmed from a confrontation between Mayers and Ephron in the heart of Hollywood, just a day after a dispute between the two. Though they had once been close, their relationship reportedly soured as A$AP Rocky’s career skyrocketed.
Now free from legal uncertainty, A$AP Rocky is poised for a major comeback. He is gearing up to release his first solo album in nearly a decade and is scheduled to co-headline the Rolling Loud festival in Los Angeles in March 2025. Additionally, he will serve as a co-chair for the prestigious Met Gala in May, alongside Anna Wintour, Lewis Hamilton, Pharrell Williams, and LeBron James.
Beyond music and fashion, the rapper is set to appear in Spike Lee’s highly anticipated film Highest 2 Lowest, starring Denzel Washington, which is slated for release this summer.
Throughout the trial, Rihanna made several appearances in court to support her partner. She was present on Tuesday when the verdict was announced, standing by him as he walked away a free man.