A$AP Rocky found not guilty in 2021 Hollywood handgun case: "Thank y’all for saving my life"

Hip-hop star and fashion icon A$AP Rocky has been declared not guilty of firing a handgun at a former friend during a 2021 incident in Hollywood. A Los Angeles jury cleared him of two felony charges of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. The verdict brings an end to a highly publicized trial that had put Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, under intense scrutiny for months.

Rocky was accused of firing a gun at his former friend Terell Ephron, known as A$AP Relli, during an altercation in Hollywood. The prosecution claimed that the rapper intentionally discharged a firearm, endangering Ephron’s life. If convicted, Rocky faced up to 24 years in prison. Prior to the trial, he was offered a plea deal of six months in jail along with probation, but he refused, maintaining his innocence and choosing to fight the case in court.

The altercation reportedly stemmed from a personal dispute between Rocky and Ephron. On the night of the incident, Rocky was with two friends when an argument escalated. The prosecution alleged that Rocky fired a live gun at Ephron, while the defense countered that the firearm in question was actually a prop gun that only fired blanks. According to the defense, Rocky had taken the gun from a music video set and was carrying it for security purposes.

One of the key factors in the case was the timing of the claim about the fake gun. No one mentioned it to authorities until jury selection had already begun, casting doubt on the reliability of the prosecution’s case. Additionally, the jury was instructed to consider whether Rocky believed he or his friends were in immediate danger and acted in self-defense.

After being acquitted, Rocky expressed his gratitude to the jurors, saying, "Thank y’all for saving my life." The 36-year-old rapper immediately went to embrace his longtime partner, Rihanna, who had been present at parts of the trial. Overcome with emotion, she hugged Rocky’s defense team after the verdict was announced.

The case had kept Rocky in the media spotlight for weeks. Now, with his legal troubles behind him he is scheduled to headline Rolling Loud in March, co-chair the prestigious Met Gala in May, and star alongside Denzel Washington in Spike Lee’s upcoming film, 'Highest 2 Lowest'.