Los Angeles, California — A$AP Rocky, a prominent figure in the music and fashion industry, was acquitted of two felony assault charges by a California jury on Wednesday. The charges stemmed from an incident involving a semiautomatic firearm during a 2021 confrontation with a former friend in Hollywood. Rakim Athelston Mayers, 36, known professionally as A$AP Rocky, could have faced over 24 years in prison if convicted.
The incident occurred when A$AP Rocky was alleged to have assaulted an ex-friend and high school peer, who goes by A$AP Relli. The defense maintained that the weapon in question was a prop gun that discharged only blanks, acquired from a music video set and carried by Rocky for self-defense. On August 15, 2022, these charges led to his arrest as he arrived at Los Angeles International Airport.
During the trial, testimony was heard from another member of the A$AP crew, A$AP Twelvyy, who described the altercation. He supported Rocky’s claim by stating that Relli had been the aggressor and that Rocky used the starter pistol solely to issue a warning shot. Twelvyy also noted that Rocky had been in possession of this starter pistol for several months, underscoring its use as a protective measure. Notably, investigators at the scene found no real firearms or ammunition.
Rocky himself chose not to testify. Following the jury’s not guilty verdict, he expressed profound gratitude outside the courthouse, emphasizing the jury’s role in preserving his future by saying, “Thank y’all for saving my life.”
Prior to the commencement of the trial, Rocky had declined an offer from the prosecution that would have required him to plead guilty to a single count in exchange for a six-month jail sentence, coupled with probation and other unspecified conditions.
This case has garnered significant public interest due to A$AP Rocky’s high profile, as well as his connections to global pop star Rihanna, with whom he has been romantically linked for several years. This verdict marks a pivotal moment in Rocky’s career, potentially impacting his public image and professional endeavors moving forward.
The outcome of this trial underscores ongoing debates about celebrity, self-defense rights, and the legal implications of using prop weapons for personal security. It also raises questions about the pressures and risks that public figures often navigate in their personal lives and careers.
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