Not Guilty Verdict for Rapper A$AP Rocky in Gun Firing Case
LOS ANGELES — In a dramatic turn of events, rapper A$AP Rocky, also known as Rakim Mayers, has been acquitted of two felony assault charges related to firing a gun at a former friend in Los Angeles.
The former friend, Terell Ephron, had accused the Grammy-nominated hip-hop star of shooting at him during an argument on a Hollywood street on 6 November 2021, resulting in a bullet grazing his knuckles.
A$AP Rocky, who is not only a musician but also a fashion mogul and the partner of pop star Rihanna, vehemently denied the charges, claiming the weapon in question was a prop gun and that Ephron, who goes by the name A$AP Relli, had ulterior motives.
When the not-guilty verdict was announced, the courtroom erupted in cheers and applause. A$AP Rocky immediately embraced his family and Rihanna, leaping over a barrier to reach them. Tears welled up in his eyes as he hugged his lawyers and expressed gratitude for his life being saved.
“Thank God for saving my life,” Mayers exclaimed, acknowledging the jury for their decision.
The altercation between Mayers and Ephron, who had been friends since high school in New York, escalated in Hollywood, leading to Mayers’ arrest on the assault charges.
Prosecutors alleged that Mayers had brandished a gun and threatened Ephron, resulting in shots being fired, though the exact nature of the weapon was a point of contention throughout the trial.
Despite the emotional and tense exchanges during the trial, A$AP Rocky’s legal team argued that Ephron may have planted evidence to frame the rapper.
Following his acquittal, A$AP Rocky is looking ahead to his music career, with plans to release a new album and headline the Rolling Loud festival in Los Angeles. He is also set to co-chair the 2025 Met Gala and star in Spike Lee’s upcoming film alongside Denzel Washington.
Rihanna, A$AP Rocky’s partner, stood by him throughout the trial and was present in court when the verdict was delivered. The rapper expressed his gratitude for her unwavering support during the challenging legal battle. — BBC
