LOS ANGELES — A jury found A$AP Rocky not guilty on Tuesday, effectively concluding a protracted case that had cast a long shadow over the hip-hop artist’s life and career. This case stemmed from allegations regarding an incident in November 2021, during which a former friend claimed that Rocky shot at him in Hollywood, resulting in a graze to his knuckles.

Initially arrested in 2022, Rocky had been freed on bail while awaiting trial. If he had been found guilty, he could have faced a significant prison sentence. Instead, he denied any wrongdoing by entering a plea of not guilty, turning down a plea offer that would have resulted in minimal jail time, and chose not to testify during the trial. After hearing the verdict, Rocky visibly relieved, jumped into the arms of his partner, Rihanna, expressing gratitude to the jury by saying, “Thank y’all for saving my life.”

The jury, consisting of seven women and five men, deliberated for approximately three hours before reaching their decision. The jury may have concluded that Rocky did not commit the offense because he fired blanks from a theatrical prop, as the defense contended, or that he acted in self-defense. Another possibility was that the prosecution failed to present sufficient evidence to warrant a conviction.

Critical to the prosecution’s case was the testimony of A$AP Relli, who claimed to be a victim in the incident. Surveillance footage captured the gunshots, although the images were not entirely clear. Text messages exchanged before and after the altercation hinted at Relli’s intentions, as he indicated in these messages that he was more interested in financial compensation than seeking justice against Rocky. There was also a strong rebuttal from Rocky’s defense, labeling Relli an “angry pathological liar” who lied on the stand.

Had Rocky been found guilty of both charges, he faced up to 24 years behind bars. The implications of a potential conviction would not just have impacted Rocky, who shares two young children with Rihanna, but also would have disrupted a packed public schedule ahead.

In the wake of his acquittal, A$AP Rocky has significant events ahead, including headlining the Rolling Loud music festival in Los Angeles in March, attending the Met Gala as a celebrity co-chair in May, and taking on a film role alongside Denzel Washington in Spike Lee’s upcoming movie, “Highest 2 Lowest.”

Rihanna’s presence was a focal point during the trial, as her attendance was widely speculated prior to its start. Although initially she appeared discreetly, she later joined the proceedings openly, even bringing their children with her during the closing arguments, surprising many attendees. Upon the verdict announcement, she embraced a triumphant Rocky as they left the courthouse together.

The origins of this trial date back to when Rakim Mayers, better known as A$AP Rocky, met Terell Ephron, known as A$AP Relli, during their high school years in New York. The two were once close, but tensions escalated as Rocky found fame. This feud culminated on the evening of November 6, 2021, when Relli testified that Rocky discharged a firearm during an altercation.

Ephron reported the incident to law enforcement two days later, providing them with shell casings he collected. The defense sought to counter Relli’s claims, citing audio of a man resembling him that purportedly indicated a willingness to drop the charges if compensated in a lawsuit, which Relli denied.

Key figures included Superior Court Judge Mark Arnold, who was known for his approachable demeanor and allowance of media coverage throughout the trial, aiming for transparency in judicial proceedings. Rocky’s attorney, Joe Tacopina, who has represented other notable figures in hip-hop, brought tenacity to cross-examinations. The prosecution included Deputy District Attorney John Lewin, recognized for his assertive questioning style.

Throughout the trial, tensions flared with the judge frequently intervening to maintain order amid the heated exchanges between lawyers. Ultimately, Judge Arnold acknowledged the effort put forth by both sides, remarking on their commitment to the case.