A$AP Rocky Found Not Guilty in High-Profile Felony Assault Trial.
On February 18, 2025, rapper A$AP Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, was found not guilty of two felony assault charges related to a 2021 incident in Los Angeles. The jury deliberated for just three hours before reaching the verdict, sparing Rocky from a potential prison sentence of over two decades. The courtroom erupted in cheers as Rocky leaped into the arms of his partner, Rihanna, and his family.
The charges stemmed from an altercation on November 6, 2021, when Rocky was accused of firing a gun at his former friend, A$AP Relli, during a heated confrontation in Hollywood. Relli claimed that one of the shots grazed his knuckle, but Rocky maintained that the gun was a prop and he never intended to harm anyone. The defense argued that Relli was an unreliable witness with a motive to fabricate the story for financial gain.
Rocky’s legal team, led by Joe Tacopina, successfully convinced the jury that there was reasonable doubt regarding Rocky’s guilt. Tacopina described Relli as an “angry pathological liar” who repeatedly committed perjury during the trial. The defense also highlighted inconsistencies in Relli’s testimony and argued that Rocky had been carrying the prop gun for security purposes.
The verdict marks a significant moment for Rocky, who has been a prominent figure in the music industry since his rise to fame in the early 2010s. The rapper, fashion mogul, and actor has a busy year ahead, including headlining the Rolling Loud music festival in March and co-chairing the Met Gala in May. He is also set to star alongside Denzel Washington in Spike Lee’s upcoming film “Highest 2 Lowest,” scheduled for release in early summer.
Rihanna, who attended the trial intermittently, expressed her gratitude and relief following the verdict. She wrote on her Instagram Stories, “The glory belongs to God and God alone! Thankful, humbled by His mercy!” Rocky echoed her sentiments, thanking the jury for their decision and expressing his gratitude for being a free man.
District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated that while the office respects the jury’s decision, they remain committed to seeking accountability for those who break the law, regardless of their status or influence. Hochman emphasized that fame does not place anyone above the law and that the pursuit of justice for victims and the community will continue.
The trial has drawn significant media attention and public interest, highlighting the complexities of celebrity legal cases and the challenges of balancing justice with public perception. Rocky’s acquittal allows him to move forward with his career and personal life without the shadow of a potential prison sentence hanging over him.
