Rapper A$AP Rocky has been found not guilty of the accusations leveled against him. A jury in Los Angeles cleared the musician, whose legal name is Rakim Mayers, of the two felony assault charges that could have landed him in prison for up to 24 years.
Terell Ephron, who goes by the name A$AP Relli, claimed the Grammy-nominated hip-hop artist fired a gun at him during a heated argument on a Hollywood street on November 6, 2021, grazing his knuckles. However, Mr. Mayers, who is also a successful fashion entrepreneur and the longtime partner of pop superstar Rihanna, refuted the charges, asserting that the weapon was merely a prop and that his former friend was motivated by financial gain.
As the first not-guilty verdict was announced on Tuesday, the courtroom erupted in cheers and applause. Mr. Mayers rushed to embrace his family and Rihanna, who were seated behind him, leaping over a wooden barrier in his enthusiasm.