A$AP Rocky Acquitted of Assault Charges, Breaks Down in Court

Hip-hop artist A$AP Rocky was visibly overwhelmed with emotion, breaking down in tears and embracing his partner, Rihanna, after being acquitted of two felony assault charges involving a semiautomatic firearm.

The charges stemmed from an alleged 2021 altercation in Hollywood with a former friend and fellow A$AP Mob member, A$AP Relli.

The high-profile trial, which fascinated public attention, concluded with the jury finding Rocky—whose real name is Rakim Mayers—not guilty. As the verdict was announced in a tense Los Angeles courtroom, Rocky, overcome with relief, jumped over a courtroom barrier to embrace Rihanna, who was present alongside their two young sons.

Throughout the trial, Rocky’s defense maintained that the alleged weapon was a prop gun used for security purposes and not a real firearm capable of firing bullets. This argument played a key role in persuading the jury, despite claims from A$AP Relli—legally known as Terell Ephron—that he was grazed by a bullet during the confrontation.

The case garnered widespread media attention due to Rocky’s celebrity status and his high-profile relationship with Rihanna, adding layers of public scrutiny. Social media erupted with reactions, with users sharing footage of Rocky’s emotional response to the verdict.

The acquittal is a major turning point for Rocky, freeing him from the looming threat of a potential 24-year prison sentence. His legal team expressed their satisfaction with the outcome, highlighting the lack of concrete evidence linking him to the use of a real firearm.