A$AP Rocky Found Not Guilty In 2021 Shooting Case

After a three-week trial, A$AP Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, was acquitted of two felony assault charges. A Los Angeles jury found him not guilty of firing a gun at his former friend, Terell Ephron, also known as A$AP Relli, during a 2021 altercation. 

The courtroom erupted in celebration as the verdict was read, with Rocky jumping over the stand to embrace his partner, Rihanna, his mother, and his sister.

ASAP ROCKY HAS BEEN FOUND NOT GUILTY ON ALL CHARGES 🚨pic.twitter.com/Q9LQ6pcmzj

— Ploybert Corti (@PloybertCorti) February 19, 2025

A Disputed Confrontation

The case revolved around a confrontation outside the W Hotel in Hollywood on November 6, 2021. Ephron alleged that Rocky pointed a gun at his head and stomach before firing, grazing his hand with a bullet. Rocky denied ever using a real firearm, arguing instead that he used a prop gun to de-escalate a scuffle. 

His defense attorney, Joe Tacopina, dismissed Ephron’s injuries as minor “knuckle scrapes” and suggested that Ephron planted two 9mm shell casings later found at the scene.

Trial Highlights and Key Testimony

During the trial, prosecutors pointed to surveillance footage that captured parts of the incident, including audio of gunfire, though no video directly showed Rocky shooting a gun. Police found no weapon or shell casings when they initially responded to the scene, but Ephron returned later with his girlfriend and claimed to have discovered the casings himself. Rocky’s legal team argued this was an attempt to fabricate evidence, highlighting that Ephron had been at a Los Angeles gun range just two weeks prior.

A$AP Twelvyy, a fellow A$AP Mob member who was present that night, testified that Rocky fired shots only to stop Ephron from attacking another crew member, A$AP Illz. 

The trial also saw tense exchanges, including one instance where Ephron called Tacopina “annoying,” leading the judge to reprimand him. In another rare courtroom moment, Rocky interrupted the proceedings to stop a witness from answering a prosecutor’s question, an unusual move for a defendant on trial.

Rihanna’s Support and Rocky’s Reaction

Throughout the trial, Rihanna attended multiple court dates to support Rocky, though she was never called to testify. On one occasion, she brought their two children, prompting the judge to rule that the presence of Rihanna and their kids could not be mentioned in the state’s rebuttal.

When the not-guilty verdict was announced, Rocky expressed his relief and gratitude, saying, “Thank God for saving my life,” before thanking the jury. He appeared emotional as he hugged his lawyers and celebrated with his loved ones.

Extortion Claims and Civil Lawsuit

Rocky’s defense claimed the entire case was an attempt by Ephron to extort him. They pointed to Ephron’s ongoing $30 million civil lawsuit against Rocky as evidence that his accusations were financially motivated.

With Rocky cleared of all criminal charges, the focus may now shift to the civil lawsuit. For now, the rapper and fashion mogul is celebrating his legal victory, putting an end to what could have been a 24-year prison sentence.

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