ASAP Rocky Found Not Guilty: Rapper Wins Legal Battle in Shooting Case

Grammy-nominated rapper ASAP Rocky was found not guilty on Tuesday. He was facing a felony assault case that could have led to 24 years in prison. The jury took nearly three hours to decide. They cleared him of all charges. The case was about a 2021 Hollywood shooting involving his former friend, Terell “ASAP Relli” Ephron.

According to The New York Time: Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, faced two felony counts of assault with a deadly weapon. The case started after a fight with Relli near a Hollywood hotel in November 2021. Prosecutors said Rocky fired a real gun and hit Relli’s right hand. The defense told a different story. They said the gun was fake and only fired blanks.

Rocky’s Emotional Reaction to the Verdict

When the verdict was read, Rocky hugged his family. His partner, Rihanna, was there. He was grateful to the jury. “Thank y’all for saving my life,” he said.

His lawyer, Joe Tacopina, stood by Rocky. He said Relli lied for money. The defense claimed Relli exaggerated his injuries. They said he did it to win a lawsuit.

Trial Details and Key Evidence

The trial focused on whether ASAP Rocky used a real gun or a fake one. Prosecutors showed surveillance footage of Rocky holding a gun before the alleged shooting. ASAP Relli testified that Rocky pulled a gun from his waistband. He said Rocky fired at him, causing a minor injury.

The defense had a different story. Witnesses, including ASAP Twelvyy, said Rocky fired blanks from a prop gun. They claimed Rocky only wanted to defend their friend ASAP Illz from a fight. The defense said Rocky never meant to harm Relli.

The case had little physical evidence. Police never found a gun at the scene. Prosecutors relied on two shell casings that Relli himself brought in. A Los Angeles police sergeant testified that there was not enough proof to confirm a crime.

Impact on Rocky’s Career

Rocky faced this trial while planning major projects. He will headline Rolling Loud Los Angeles in March. He will co-chair the Met Gala in May. He will act in a Spike Lee film with Denzel Washington.

Relli’s civil lawsuits against Rocky for assault and defamation may now fail. Rocky’s lawyer, Joe Tacopina, dismissed Relli’s claims. “He sued us, and after today, I don’t think that’s going so well,” he said.

With the trial over, Rocky can move forward. He will now focus on his family and career. Fans and industry insiders are relieved.