A$AP Rocky has been found not guilty in his highly publicized Los Angeles assault trial, avoiding a potential 24-year prison sentence. The verdict clears him of two felony counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm related to a 2021 confrontation with former friend Terell Ephron, also known as Relli.
Leaving the courtroom, the Grammy-nominated rapper and fashion icon expressed his gratitude, stating, “Thank y’all for saving my life. Thank y’all for making the right decision.” The 36-year-old artist immediately embraced Rihanna, who attended the trial alongside their two children, as well as family and close friends.
The trial centered around an alleged incident on November 6, 2021, when Rocky and Relli, once high school friends and members of the A$AP Mob, met to settle their differences. Relli claimed that Rocky pulled a gun and fired at him, while the defense argued that Rocky was carrying a prop gun with blanks, which Relli knew was fake. Opting not to testify, Rocky maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, rejecting a plea deal that would have included six months in jail and probation.
The not guilty verdict comes as Rocky prepares for a busy year, including headlining Rolling Loud Los Angeles in March, serving as co-chair for the 2025 Met Gala, and starring alongside Denzel Washington in Spike Lee’s upcoming film.
With the case now behind him, A$AP Rocky steps into 2025 cleared of charges and ready to return to music, fashion, and film.
