A$AP Rocky Acquitted of All Felony Charges, Escapes Possible 24-Year Prison Sentence
A$AP Rocky has been acquitted of all felony assault charges after a three-week trial in Los Angeles, avoiding a potential 24-year prison sentence.
ASAP Rocky pointing while facing camera
Photo Credit: A$AP Rocky by Chad Cooper / CC by 2.0
The rapper, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, faced two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm stemming from a 2021 incident on Hollywood Blvd. The case centered around allegations that Rocky fired shots at former friend A$AP Relli near the W Hotel.
Rocky's defense team successfully argued that the alleged weapon was merely a prop firing blanks. Despite the firearm never being recovered, multiple witnesses supported this claim. Defense attorney Joe Tacopina discredited Relli (Terell Ephron) as "a perjury machine," noting that Relli only sustained minor "knuckle scrapes" during the altercation.
Following the verdict, Rocky embraced his legal team and partner Rihanna, who attended the proceedings. The couple shares two children together.
Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman responded to the verdict stating, "While today's verdict is not the outcome we sought, we respect the jury's decision and the integrity of our justice system." He emphasized that "fame does not place anyone above the law."
A three-time Grammy nominee, Rocky is preparing to release his fourth studio album, "Don't Be Dumb," later this year. His most recent nomination was for Best Music Video for "Tailor Swif."
Digital audio waveform visualization
Illuminated concert venue with audience
Related Articles
Antonio Brown Claims to Headline Controversial Fyre Festival II
