LOS ANGELES — “Thank you all for saving my life,” A$AP Rocky exclaimed to jurors as they exited the courtroom after his trial. The verdict was a pivotal moment for the rapper, who faced two felony assault charges related to the use of a semiautomatic handgun. Quickly returning with a not guilty verdict on Tuesday, the outcome meant Rocky was free, avoiding the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence.
The rapper experienced a wave of emotions, leaping joyfully into the arms of his partner Rihanna, who was present in the audience. “There was a moment when, before we heard the words from the clerk, he didn’t know if he was going to be spending the next two decades in jail or going home,” remarked his attorney Joe Tacopina. Now, Rocky can fully embrace a year filled with stardom and excitement.
With his acquittal taking place in Los Angeles, he is expected to shine as a headliner at the upcoming Rolling Loud music festival next month. Additionally, he is scheduled to co-chair the prestigious Met Gala in May alongside LeBron James and Pharrell Williams. Furthermore, his summer will be highlighted by a major role in director Spike Lee’s film “Highest 2 Lowest,” in which he stars with Denzel Washington. This trial arrived at a peak time in Rocky’s career, which has already seen him rise to great heights in the music industry, boasting two No. 1 albums and three Grammy nominations.
Many believed it would have been wise for him to accept a pretrial deal that offered merely six months in jail alongside probation for a guilty plea to one count. Instead, Rocky chose to face a three-week trial, risking up to 24 years behind bars and potential separation from Rihanna and their young children, RZA and Riot. “He turned down a plea for almost no jail time because he was innocent,” Tacopina stated. “They’re ready to move forward. They have so much to look forward to professionally. Rocky is thriving. Rihanna is at the pinnacle of her career. They have a beautiful family.”
As they made their way through a throng of reporters, fans, and photographers, the couple climbed into a waiting SUV. With a smile, Rocky expressed his gratitude, saying, “I’m thankful … to be here right now, to be a free man talking to you all.” The courtroom erupted in cheers when the verdict was announced, and Rocky leaped toward Rihanna, who was accompanied by his mother and sister.
“Mr. Mayers, you’re excused,” Judge Mark Arnold stated shortly after the verdict, marking the end of post-trial proceedings. Rihanna had made an appearance in the courtroom on several occasions throughout the trial, often bringing their two sons along during closing arguments. Rocky, who arrived over 30 minutes late for the verdict and appeared visibly tense, finally received the release he sought as the verdict was read.
Tacopina noted the unexpected athleticism Rocky displayed in his joyous leap, saying, “That was raw emotion on display for everyone to see.” During the trial, prosecutors argued that Rocky had an altercation with a former friend, A$AP Relli. They claimed the incident occurred on November 6, 2021, in Hollywood, where Rocky allegedly pulled a gun and fired two shots, one of which grazed Relli’s hand.
Representing Rocky, his legal team contended that he had fired a prop gun that only shot blanks, which he had retained for personal security after using it on a music video set. They portrayed Relli as a deceptive opportunist seeking financial gain from his connection with Rocky, who had also filed a separate civil suit against him.
Jurors were instructed that they could find Rocky not guilty if they believed he acted in self-defense or felt threatened. While it’s unclear precisely how they reached their decision, they returned with a unanimous verdict after only three hours of deliberation. “This jury saw through it and came to an incredibly quick and accurate verdict,” Tacopina commented.
After the trial, Rocky comically suggested that Tacopina should join his team, proclaiming, “A$AP Joe!” District Attorney Nathan Hochman responded to the verdict by stating that he respected the jury’s conclusion. “Our office remains committed to seeking accountability for those who break the law, regardless of their status or influence,” Hochman emphasized in a statement. “Fame does not exempt anyone from the law, and we will continue pursuing justice for victims and the community.”
