Asap Rocky was facing two felony assault charges stemming from a shooting incident near the W Hotel in Hollywood.
On November 6, 2021, a confrontation between Rocky and Ephron occurred on Hollywood Boulevard, during which Rocky allegedly aimed a gun at Ephron’s head and stomach. Ephron claimed that one of the bullets grazed his hand. Ephron, Rocky, and others were members of the New York-based rap collective A$AP Mob, founded in 2006 by the late Steven Rodriguez (A$AP Yams). The collective was known for bringing together rappers, music video directors, fashion designers, and bikers.
Final Court Proceeding
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A$AP Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, was acquitted of all charges in his assault trial following a three-week court proceeding. The rapper had been accused of firing a gun at his former friend, Terrell Ephron (also known as A$AP Relli), in Hollywood, California, in 2021.
As the verdict was read, an elated Rocky leaped into the audience to embrace his long-time partner, Rihanna, who had been by his side throughout the trial. With Rihanna and their two young sons—2-year-old RZA Athelston Mayers and 1-year-old Riot Rose Mayers—by his side throughout parts of the trial, it worked. Shortly after, Rihanna shared her first public reaction. Taking to Instagram, she wrote,
The glory belongs to God and God alone. Thankful. Humbled by His mercy.
A$AP Rocky Thanked Jury After Acquittal
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A$AP Rocky expressed deep gratitude to the jury, saying,
Thank y’all for saving my life.
The 12-member jury—comprising five men and seven women—found him not guilty after thoroughly reviewing the evidence. Rocky chose not to testify in his defense during the trial. Before the proceedings, he had rejected a pre-trial plea deal that would have resulted in a six-month prison sentence. Instead, he opted to stand trial, risking a potential 24-year prison sentence if convicted.
Following the verdict, Rocky joined Rihanna and his family outside the courthouse, sharing his relief:
I’m thankful and blessed to be here right now, to be a free man talking to y’all.
The trial attracted widespread attention not only due to the legal stakes but also because of Rihanna’s unwavering presence in the courtroom. On February 13, she attended the trial’s closing arguments with their two children, further highlighting her support for Rocky.
Prosecutor Warns Jury Against Celebrity Influence
In his closing argument, Deputy District Attorney John Lewin urged jurors to remain impartial, cautioning them against being swayed by the celebrity status of the case or Rihanna’s presence with their children during closing arguments.
You are not allowed to consider how this might affect Rihanna and his kids,” Lewin stated. We are all responsible for our own actions in the world.
He suggested that Rihanna bringing their children to court was an attempt to manipulate the jury.
After the not-guilty verdict, Rocky’s attorney, Joe Tacopina, spoke outside the courthouse, revealing that Rocky did not want Rihanna to attend. “Rocky did not want her here, I will tell you that,” Tacopina said. He added, “He wanted to shield her from this. Wild horses couldn’t keep her away.” Tacopina acknowledged the emotional toll the trial had taken on the couple, saying, “I can’t imagine this has been anything but a life-altering experience for them.”
Rihanna, who attended on and off, even brought their children to hear some of the closing arguments. Now, with the case behind them, the couple can breathe a sigh of relief and focus on their family and future. With the not-guilty verdict, A$AP Rocky avoids prison time and moves forward, while Ephron’s $30 million civil lawsuit remains pending.
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