Rakim Mayers aka A$AP Rocky has been acquitted of all charges in his felony assault trial after four years of charged guilty. The verdict delivered after a three-week court proceeding, cleared him of allegations related to a 2021 shooting incident involving his former friend Terrell Ephron also known as A$AP Relli. The decision was met with an emotional reaction from both Rocky and his long-time partner, Rihanna.
Shortly after the verdict, Rihanna took to Instagram to share her relief to see her boyfriend being free from serious allegations, she wrote “The glory belongs to God and God alone! Thankful, humbled by His mercy!” No doubt, the singer-songwriter had been a consistent presence in the courtroom throughout the trial and was seen supporting Rocky during the tense proceedings.
A$AP Rocky who was facing two felony charges had been accused of firing a gun at Ephron in Hollywood. If convicted, he could have faced up to 24 years in prison. Instead, after deliberating on the evidence presented, a jury of 12 members – five men and seven women – declared him not guilty.
After the verdict’s announcement made, Rocky addressed the media outside the courthouse expressing his gratitude. “We want to thank God first. This whole experience has been crazy, but I’m thankful. Blessed to be here right now, to be a free man,” he said.
The trial drew widespread media attention, especially due to Rihanna’s presence in court. On one occasion, she even brought their two young children to support Rocky during the final arguments. The courtroom was tense throughout but when the verdict was announced, Rocky immediately hugged Rihanna, visibly emotional over the outcome.
Rocky had previously rejected a pre-trial plea deal that could have resulted in a six-month prison sentence. Instead, he chose to stand trial and maintained his innocence. His legal team argued that the allegations were baseless and the jury ultimately sided with the defense.
With the case now behind him, Rocky is set to continue his career without legal uncertainties. He is scheduled to headline Rolling Loud in March and will also co-chair the Met Gala in May. Additionally, he is set to appear in Spike Lee’s upcoming film “Highest 2 Lowest” releasing later this year.
For now, both Rocky and Rihanna can breathe a sigh of relief as they move forward from the legal battle.
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