A$AP Rocky found not guilty in 2021 Hollywood shooting case

Rapper A$AP Rocky acquitted of felony assault charges in Los Angeles jury trial.

Rakim Mayers, also known as A$AP Rocky, embraces attorney Joe Tacopina in court as the verdict is delivered in his felony assault trial at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in Los Angeles, California, on February 18, 2025. Photo by Daniel Cole/Reuters

By Hayu Andini and Nada Fadiyah

A Los Angeles jury on Tuesday acquitted Grammy-nominated rapper A$AP Rocky of two felony counts of assault with a semi-automatic weapon, clearing him of charges stemming from a 2021 altercation in Hollywood. The verdict brings an end to a high-profile case that saw the rapper, who is the longtime partner of singer Rihanna and father of her two children, facing serious legal consequences.

As the jury delivered its decision, Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, reacted with visible relief. He jumped into the audience and embraced his supporters as cheers erupted throughout the courtroom. "Thank y'all for saving my life," he told the 12-person jury, expressing gratitude for their decision.

The charges and trial

The case revolved around an alleged confrontation between A$AP Rocky and Terell Ephron, a former friend and fellow member of the A$AP Mob hip-hop collective. Prosecutors accused Rocky of pointing a firearm at Ephron during a heated argument on November 6, 2021, and later firing two shots in his direction during a second encounter that same day.

Ephron claimed that one of the bullets grazed his knuckles, causing a minor injury. The prosecution sought to prove that Rocky intentionally used a deadly weapon in a threatening manner, which could have resulted in a significant prison sentence had he been convicted.

Defense strategy and verdict

Rocky’s legal team countered the allegations by asserting that the gun used in the incident was a prop firearm from a music video shoot and that it fired only blanks. They also argued that Ephron had been the aggressor in the confrontation and that Rocky acted in self-defense.

After a trial that lasted several weeks, the jury ultimately sided with Rocky’s defense, concluding that there was insufficient evidence to convict him on the felony assault charges. The not-guilty verdict marks a significant legal victory for the rapper, whose career and personal life have been under intense scrutiny throughout the proceedings.

Rocky’s reaction and public support

Speaking to reporters outside the courthouse, Rocky stood between Rihanna and his attorney, expressing gratitude for the outcome. "We want to thank God first," he said. "This is crazy right now. I'm thankful and blessed to be here right now, to be a free man talking to y'all."

Rihanna, who attended parts of the trial, brought the couple’s two sons—RZA, 2, and Riot, 1—to the courtroom during closing arguments. Her presence underscored the personal stakes for Rocky, who faced the possibility of jail time if convicted.

A$AP Rocky’s career and legal battles

A$AP Rocky has been a prominent figure in the hip-hop industry for over a decade. His debut studio albums, Long. Live. A$AP (2013) and At.Long.Last.A$AP (2015), both topped the Billboard 200 charts. His third album, Testing (2018), reached the top five, further cementing his influence in the music world.

Despite his success, the rapper has faced legal challenges in recent years. In 2019, he was arrested in Sweden following a street altercation and spent several weeks in jail before being found guilty of assault. That case drew international attention, with then-President Donald Trump advocating for his release.

Civil lawsuit and prosecution’s response

While Rocky has been cleared of criminal charges, his legal troubles are not over. Ephron has filed a civil lawsuit against him, seeking damages related to the alleged shooting incident. The lawsuit could lead to further legal battles in the coming months.

Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman acknowledged the jury's decision but reaffirmed the commitment to prosecuting cases fairly. "Our office remains committed to seeking accountability for those who break the law, no matter their status or influence," Hochman said in a statement.

With the criminal trial behind him, A$AP Rocky now looks ahead to his music career and family life, while the civil case looms as the next legal hurdle he must navigate.