A$AP Rocky Found Not Guilty in Hollywood Gun Assault Case

LOS ANGELES—On Tuesday, a jury in Los Angeles acquitted Grammy-nominated rapper A$AP Rocky of two felony charges related to assault with a semi-automatic weapon stemming from a 2021 incident involving another rapper in Hollywood.

Following the announcement of the verdict, Rocky, who is in a relationship with singer Rihanna and is the father of her two children, joyfully leaped into the crowd, embracing supporters as the courtroom erupted with cheers.

“Thank y’all for saving my life,” he expressed to the members of the jury.

The allegations against Rocky included accusations of brandishing a handgun at former friend Terell Ephron during a heated altercation, followed by firing twice in Ephron’s direction during a subsequent encounter on November 6, 2021.

Ephron claimed he sustained a minor injury when a bullet grazed his knuckles.

Rocky’s attorneys contended that the firearm in question was a prop weapon used in a music video and discharged only blank rounds. They also asserted that Ephron was the instigator of the confrontations.

“We want to express our gratitude to God first,” Rocky stated to reporters outside the courthouse, flanked by Rihanna and his lawyer. “This moment is surreal.”

“I feel fortunate and grateful to be standing here as a free man speaking with all of you,” he added.

Rihanna attended the trial several times, even bringing their two sons, RZA, aged 2, and Riot, aged 1, to the courtroom during the closing arguments.

Ephron, who performs as A$AP Relli and was once part of a hip-hop group that included both men, has also initiated a civil lawsuit against Rocky.

Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman acknowledged the jury’s verdict. “Our office is committed to holding accountable those who violate the law, regardless of their celebrity status,” Hochman declared in a statement.