A$AP Rocky Acquitted of Felony Assault Charges Against Former Friend and Collaborator A$AP Relli

A$AP Rocky/Photo/Shutterstock

A$AP Rocky, whose legal name is Rakim Mayers, was found not guilty of felony assault in Los Angeles Wednesday. The New York rapper stood trial for allegedly shooting at his former friend and music collaborator A$AP Relli, from the (A$AP Mob), in Hollywood in 2021; he was charged in 2022 with two counts of felony assault with a semiautomatic firearm.

No one was injured during the alleged incident. However, according to The New York Times, it was argued at trial that a semiautomatic firearm was used. Still, witnesses for the defense testified that it was instead a prop gun acquired at the filming of a music video. No gun was presented as evidence in the trial, and Mr. Mayers did not take the stand in his defense. He faced up to 24 years in prison if convicted of both counts, a verdict that could have had serious implications for his music career.

According to PEOPLE, the 36-year-old rapper expressed his relief and gratitude to the jury for their decision. He immediately ran across the courtroom to embrace his girlfriend, the entertainment superstar Rihanna, and his mother and sister. Overwhelmed with emotion, he told the jury, "Thank y'all for saving my life. Thank y'all for making the right decision." The Grammy Award-nominated artist, visibly moved, told the press, "We want to thank God first, gotta thank God first, you know what I'm saying? I really want to thank the jury for making the right decision, you know? We blessed to be here right now, to be a free man talking you all. Thank you, all praise to God."

Rihanna also expressed thankfulness for her partner's acquittal via her Instagram Stories; she wrote, "The glory belongs to God and God alone!" She continued, "Thankful, humbled by His mercy!" including the prayer hands emoji.

Rihanna and A$AP share two young sons, RZA and Riot. It's rumored that the Harlem native may release his fourth studio album this year.

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