In a case involving a felony firearm assault, A$AP Rocky was found not guilty. On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, a Los Angeles jury found American rapper and businessman A$AP Rocky not guilty of all charges in his felony firearm assault case. The artist, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, was found not guilty of two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm after the jury deliberated for about three hours before rendering its decision.
The case started in November 2021 when Rocky was accused of shooting his ex-friend and A$AP Mob member Terell Ephron, also known as A$AP Relli, in Hollywood. Using surveillance footage and witness statements, prosecutors claimed that Rocky had purposefully shot at Ephron during a fight.
In response, the defense claimed that the gun in question was a prop gun that was used for a music video and was incapable of firing live ammunition. Additionally, they implied that Ephron’s charges were driven by money. Although he was unharmed, Ephron testified during the trial that Rocky had pointed a gun at him and fired two shots.
The defense contended that there was insufficient proof to establish that a firearm had been discharged, while the prosecution focused on the purported intent behind the act. After the decision, A$AP Rocky hugged his partner, singer Rihanna, who was in the courtroom and conveyed his relief and gratitude. “Thank y’all for saving my life,” he said to the jury. According to his legal team, the decision upholds Rocky’s innocence and permits him to
A$AP Rocky has previously encountered legal issues. He served time in detention after being arrested for assault in Sweden in 2019. His most recent acquittal guarantees that he will not be imprisoned for years, enabling him to pursue his career.
The rapper will co-chair the prestigious Met Gala in May and serve as the headlining act at the Rolling Loud music festival in March. Fans and fellow artists have praised his legal victory, with many taking to social media to celebrate his exoneration.
