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United States What was ASAP Rocky on trial for? Grammy-nominated rapper ...
A$AP Rocky, Rihanna share emotional hug after 'not guilty' verdict
A Los Angeles jury found A$AP Rocky not guilty for shooting at a former friend in 2021.
Grammy-nominated rapper A$AP Rocky was found not guilty of firing a handgun at a former friend in Hollywood in 2021, ending a several-week trial in Los Angeles on Tuesday.
Rocky, Rakim Mayers, was visibly relieved at the verdict. After the first verdict was read by a juror, Rocky quickly wrapped his arms around Rihanna, whom he shares two children with, as seen in a clip from the Associated Press.
What was ASAP Rocky on trial for?
Rocky was charged with two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, according to a news release from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, and faced up to 24 years in prison if convicted on all charges, USA TODAY reported.
It was in connection to an incident that occurred on Nov. 6, 2021, in Hollywood, during which Rocky allegedly fired a gun in the direction of Terrell Ephron, formerly A$AP Relli, in Hollywood. The alleged shooting followed an argument that had escalated between the two, and Ephron had “sustained a minor injury from the incident,” the Los Angeles Police Department said in a statement shared on X in 2022.
In court, prosecutors from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office accused Rocky of brandishing a gun and firing shots that grazed his former friend's knuckles as Rocky's defense attorney, Joe Tacopina, argued the alleged weapon was only a prop gun.
“While today’s verdict is not the outcome we sought, we respect the jury’s decision and the integrity of our justice system,” said Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman in a statement. “Our office remains committed to seeking accountability for those who break the law, no matter their status or influence. Fame does not place anyone above the law, and we will not waver in our pursuit of justice for victims and the community.”
Rocky is facing a separate civil lawsuit from Ephron.
Who is ASAP Rocky?
Rocky is a rapper whose 2012 song “F----- Problems,” which featured Drake, 2 Chainz, and Kendrick Lamar, saw mainstream attention and earned him a Grammy nomination. He’s collaborated with Lil Wayne, Frank Ocean, Kodak Black, and other artists, and the music video for his song, “Tailor Swif,” earned a Grammy nomination for the award show that aired earlier in February. Rocky is a co-chair for this year’s Met Gala alongside Pharrell Williams, Colman Domingo, and Lewis Hamilton.
Rocky was born in Harlem, New York, according to Biography.com.
Who is ASAP Rocky dating?
Although Rocky and Rihanna have known each other for longer, the rapper called the singer and Fenty Beauty creator the “love of my life” in 2021 with GQ. Rihanna and Rocky have two sons together, RZA Athelston Mayers and Riot Rose Mayers.
Who is A$AP Relli? How does he know A$AP Rocky?
A$AP Relli, Terrell Ephron, is a former childhood friend and collaborator of Mayers. Both men were part of a hip-hop music collective ASAP Mob formed in Harlem in 2006. Several other members of the ASAP Mob have died of drug-related causes.
USA TODAY reporters Taijuan Moorman, Jay Stahl, and KiMi Robinson contributed to this article.
Paris Barraza is a trending reporter covering California news at The Desert Sun. Reach her at pbarraza@gannett.com.
