A$AP Rocky Acquitted of Allegations of Shooting at Former Friend | Entertainment News
A$AP Rocky has been acquitted of allegations regarding firing a weapon at his former associate.
The rapper rushed into the arms of his partner Rihanna as the verdict was announced at the conclusion of the trial.
He faced two felony charges for assault with a semi-automatic firearm against Terell Ephron, referred to as A$AP Relli, dating back to November 2021.
Once close friends, both were part of the A$AP Mob crew during their high school years in New York, but their friendship deteriorated as Rocky rose to fame, as presented in court.
A$AP Rocky reacting in court after the verdict is announced.
Pic: Reuters/Daniel Cole/Pool
Rakim Mayers, also known as A$AP Rocky, embraces his lawyer Joe Tacopina in court following his acquittal.
Pic: Reuters/Daniel Cole/Pool
“Thank you all for saving my life,” Rocky expressed to the jurors as they exited the courtroom. A conviction could have resulted in more than 24 years of imprisonment.
Following the verdict, Rihanna was in tears and embraced the lawyers.
Speaking to reporters outside the courthouse amidst a crowded media presence, Rocky stated: “First of all, I must thank God. I sincerely appreciate the jury for making the correct choice.
“I can’t believe how grateful I am right now. We’re truly fortunate to be free and conversing with all of you.”
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky outside the courthouse after his acquittal.
Pic: Reuters/Daniel Cole
The courtroom, filled with enthusiastic supporters of the rapper, erupted in cheers following the announcement of the verdict.
After a trial lasting three weeks, the jury took only three hours to deliberate.
During the excitement, it took a moment for the clerk to announce the second not-guilty verdict.
A$AP Rocky gestures while departing the court following his acquittal.
Pic: AP/Damian Dovarganes
‘Jealousy, lies, and greed’
Throughout the trial, jurors reviewed surveillance footage which prosecutors claimed served as clear proof that Rocky discharged a firearm at Ephron outside a Hollywood parking garage.
However, the 36-year-old’s attorney argued that Ephron was motivated by “jealousy, lies, and greed,” asserting that the weapon in question was merely a “starter pistol” that only discharged blanks.
Rocky’s legal team and witnesses contended that he had fired the prop gun as a warning due to Ephron’s aggression towards another individual in their group.
The jury was also informed that if they concluded Rocky had a reasonable belief that he or one of his two companions present that night were in immediate danger, and he used proportionate force, they could acquit him.
It remained unclear whether the not-guilty decision stemmed from the jury believing he was using a prop gun or that his actions were justified as self-defense.
Terell Ephron, known as A$AP Relli, was a previous friend. Pic: Frazer Harrison/Pool via AP
Before the trial commenced, the rapper declined a final plea deal from the prosecution which involved pleading guilty to one count and serving a 180-day sentence.
Rocky, whose actual name is Rakim Mayers, is the father of two young sons with his pop superstar partner.
The singer of “Umbrella” was present in court on multiple occasions during the trial, including when Ephron provided his testimony.
Earlier this month, Rocky received a nomination for an award at the Grammys and is among the celebrity chairpersons for this year’s Met Gala scheduled for May.
Additionally, he has a significant role in an upcoming film directed by Spike Lee alongside Denzel Washington.
