After nearly three years of legal proceedings, rapper and fashion mogul A$AP Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, has been found not guilty of felony assault charges stemming from a 2021 incident in Hollywood. The verdict was delivered on Tuesday, bringing an emotional conclusion to a case that carried the possibility of 24 years in prison for the Grammy-nominated artist.
The charges originated from an incident on November 6, 2021, when Mayers was accused of firing a gun at his former friend, Terell Ephron, known as A$AP Relli, during an argument. Ephron claimed one of the shots grazed his knuckles, prompting a legal battle that drew widespread media attention.
Mayers, however, maintained his innocence throughout the trial, arguing that the firearm was a prop gun and that Ephron had fabricated the story in pursuit of financial gain.
As the first not-guilty verdict was read in the Los Angeles courtroom, cheers and applause erupted among Mayers’ supporters. Overcome with emotion, the rapper rushed towards his family, including his longtime partner, pop superstar Rihanna, embracing them over a wooden courtroom barrier.
When the second not-guilty verdict was announced, Mayers reportedly had tears in his eyes, exclaiming, “Thank God for saving my life.” He also expressed gratitude to the 12-person jury for their decision.
Mayers and Ephron had a long history, having met in high school in New York and later becoming members of the A$AP Mob hip-hop collective. However, their friendship deteriorated as Mayers’ music and fashion career soared.
The 2021 altercation took place outside a Hollywood hotel, just a block from the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a day after the two had a disagreement. Authorities arrested Mayers on two counts of felony assault after Ephron alleged that he had been attacked.
The acquittal allows A$AP Rocky to move forward with his career without the shadow of a lengthy prison sentence. Known for his music, fashion influence, and relationship with Rihanna, the rapper has remained a major cultural figure despite his legal troubles.
With the case now closed, fans and industry insiders will be watching closely to see how Mayers’ career and public image evolve in the aftermath of this high-profile trial.
