Rapper A$AP Rocky was found not guilty Tuesday of assault charges stemming from a 2021 incident in Hollywood. The Los Angeles jury deliberated for approximately three hours before reaching their verdict.
What We Know:
- A$AP Rocky, whose legal name is Rakim Mayers, faced two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm
- The charges carried a potential sentence of over 24 years in prison
- Rocky rejected a plea deal offering six months in jail and probation
- The case centered on an alleged confrontation with former friend A$AP Relli
- Rocky’s defense claimed he fired a prop gun as a warning during the incident
The verdict comes as Rocky, 36, prepares for a busy year ahead. He is set to headline the Rolling Loud music festival, co-chair the Met Gala, and star in Spike Lee‘s upcoming film “Highest 2 Lowest” alongside Denzel Washington.
Rocky’s partner, Rihanna, attended parts of the trial with their two young sons. Prosecutors cautioned jurors against considering the impact on Rocky’s family in their deliberations.
The jury was instructed to consider self-defense as a possible justification for Rocky’s actions. It remains unclear whether they based their decision on the prop gun claim or self-defense argument. Rocky’s lawyer, Joe Tacopina, attacked the credibility of the alleged victim, calling him “an angry pathological liar” who committed perjury multiple times.
With the trial concluded, Rocky can now focus on his career and family without the threat of a lengthy prison sentence.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated here.