A$AP Rocky Acquitted in Assault Trial

In a high-profile legal battle, A$AP Rocky, born Rakim Mayers, was acquitted of two felony assault charges on February 18, 2025. The charges stemmed from a November 2021 incident in Hollywood, where he was accused of firing a semi-automatic handgun at his former friend and A$AP Mob member, (A$AP Relli) Terell Ephron. The trial, held at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in Los Angeles, concluded with the jury delivering a not-guilty verdict after approximately three hours of deliberation.

The incident in question occurred on November 6, 2021, when Mayers allegedly pointed a firearm at Ephron during a confrontation and fired two shots, one of which reportedly grazed Ephron’s knuckles. Mayers’ defense team, led by attorney Joe Tacopina, contended that the gun was a prop used in a music video and that Ephron was the aggressor in the altercation. The absence of the firearm as evidence and conflicting testimonies regarding the nature of the weapon played pivotal roles in the jury’s decision.

Upon hearing the verdict, an emotional Mayers expressed profound gratitude to the jury, stating, “Thank y’all for saving my life.” He embraced his family and partner, international superstar Rihanna, who had been a constant presence throughout the trial. Rihanna took to social media to express her relief and gratitude.

The prosecution had offered Mayers a plea deal of six months in jail, which he turned down, maintaining his innocence. The defense argued that the alleged weapon was merely a prop gun used for security purposes, and questioned the credibility of Ephron’s claims, suggesting that his motivations were driven by jealousy and financial gain. Ephron has also filed a civil lawsuit against Mayers, seeking damages for the alleged incident.

With the acquittal, A$AP Rocky avoids a potential 24-year prison sentence, allowing him to continue his career and personal life alongside Rihanna and their two children.