A California jury has found A$AP Rocky not guilty of two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, stemming from a 2021 shooting incident involving his former friend A$AP Relli in Los Angeles. The verdict, delivered on Tuesday, brought an end to a highly publicized trial that had the music world watching closely.
What Was A$AP Rocky Accused Of?
The A$AP Rocky case centered on allegations that the rapper, whose legal name is Rakim Mayers, had fired a gun at Relli during an altercation outside a Hollywood hotel. Prosecutors argued that the gun was fired intentionally, while Rocky’s defense team, led by lawyer Joe Tacopina, maintained that it was a starter pistol firing blanks, not live ammunition.
During the A$AP Rocky trial, the defense asserted that the gun had been obtained from a music video set and was carried for security purposes. Notably, no weapons or ammunition were found at the scene by investigators, although Relli provided shell casings that he claimed to have recovered.
A$AP Rocky Verdict Update: Not Guilty
The A$AP Rocky verdict live announcement was met with relief from the rapper and his supporters. Rihanna, Rocky’s longtime partner, was present in the courtroom along with their two young sons, RZA and Riot. Following the jury’s decision, Rocky expressed his gratitude, stating, “Thank y’all for saving my life.”
The case was heavily followed by media outlets such as TMZ, with fans eagerly watching the A$AP Rocky verdict watch updates. The verdict means Rocky avoids jail time, addressing speculation surrounding the question, “Is A$AP Rocky going to jail?”
Key Testimonies and Evidence
A major turning point in the A$AP Rocky trial update was the testimony of A$AP Twelvyy, a fellow member of the A$AP Mob. Twelvyy testified that Relli was the aggressor and that Rocky only fired as a warning. Surveillance footage captured parts of the altercation but did not provide conclusive evidence of a weapon being discharged.
What Was A$AP Rocky Charged With?
Prosecutors charged Rocky with two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, which carried the potential for a lengthy prison sentence. However, the defense effectively countered these claims, arguing that Relli had fabricated parts of the story for financial gain. The prosecution insisted that fame does not place anyone above the law, but the jury ultimately sided with the defense.
Final Thoughts on the A$AP Rocky Case Verdict
Following the A$AP verdict, LA County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman acknowledged the decision, stating, “While this was not the outcome we hoped for, we respect the jury’s decision.”
With the A$AP Rocky verdict update now public, the rapper can put this legal battle behind him. Fans and the music industry alike will be watching closely to see what’s next for Rocky and Rihanna, now that the A$AP Rocky case verdict has cleared him of all charges.
