Rakim Meyers, better known as A$AP Rocky, has much to be grateful for this year. As many artists or celebrities have found themselves somewhere between outright scandals and quieter, more private struggles, the rapper has faced his share of challenges, particularly within the four corners of the courtroom.
A trial over two counts of felony assault charges, which began on Jan. 24, finally concluded on Feb. 18. The courtroom was packed with Rocky’s family, friends, and, of course, his beloved partner, Rihanna. But when the final words of the verdict rang through the courtroom, what happened next became the talk of social media.
Final verdict: A$AP Rocky walks free
BREAKING: Jury finds hip-hop star A$AP Rocky not guilty in assault trial. https://t.co/qdlyUAFtrq pic.twitter.com/EPo5WBhGAK
— ABC News (@ABC) February 19, 2025
Feb. 18 marked the climactic day when the jury returned to deliver its final verdict. The panel, comprising seven women and five men, had started deliberations that morning and reached a decision by the end of the day.
The first words of the “not guilty” verdict sparked an eruption of emotions within the courtroom. Hugs, cheers, and a palpable sense of relief filled the space. Rocky, after a quick embrace with one of his defense attorneys, didn’t hold back, but leaped into the gallery, practically flying into Rihanna’s arms.
The moment, caught by every camera in the room, was an undeniable testament to the raw emotions of the trial’s outcome. “Thank y’all for saving my life… Thank you! Thank y’all. You’re making the right decision,” he shouted, his voice a mix of exhilaration and disbelief.
Rihanna celebrates A$AP Rocky being found not guilty for assault:
“THE GLORY BELONGS TO GOD AND GOD ALONE! THANKFUL, HUMBLED BY HIS MERCY!
” pic.twitter.com/JgYIsEmdU0
— Pop Base (@PopBase) February 19, 2025
Leaving the courthouse, one of his attorneys, Chad Seigel, praised the jury’s insight: “They saw through this mirage of a case.” Joe Tacopina, Rocky’s other attorney, also addressed the media, dismissing claims that Rihanna’s courtroom appearances were a mere publicity stunt. “It was never about the cameras, it was about family,” he stated, emphasizing the strength of the couple’s bond.
Prosecutor Nathan Hochman, though on the losing side, maintained a composed demeanor. “While today’s verdict is not the outcome we sought, we respect the jury’s decision and the integrity of our justice system,” he said. Hochman reminded the public that no one, regardless of their fame, stands above the law.
The feud that sparked the legal battle
Here are the surveillance videos of the alleged shooting by A$AP Rocky. The judge agreed today they don’t show actual shooting but you can hear gunshots.
I am going through a massive amount of video footage right now that I will be sharing tonight/tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/OaWZQXccdA
— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) November 21, 2023
Loud cheers might have accompanied the final verdict, but the journey to this moment was anything but harmonious. It all began when A$AP Rocky was charged on Aug. 15, 2022, with two counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm. The accusations claimed Rocky had fired a handgun twice during a heated confrontation, with the bullets allegedly grazing the knuckles of the supposed victim, Terell Ephron, better known as A$AP Relli.
According to Ephron’s testimony, the former friends were near Hollywood’s bustling intersection of Argyle and Selma Avenues, just around the corner from the iconic Walk of Fame, when shots were fired. Ephron alleged that he suffered bullet-graze wounds, for which he later sought medical treatment. But the courtroom wasn’t buying Ephron’s story as easily as he might have hoped. Rocky’s defense attorney, Joe Tacopina, painted Ephron as a “pathological liar.” Tacopina argued that the evidence had been fabricated and that Ephron committed perjury during his testimony.
Rocky’s refusal to accept a plea deal that would have exchanged a 180-day jail sentence plus probationary conditions for avoiding a possible 24-year conviction only underscored his insistence on his innocence. He rolled the dice, maintaining his stance throughout the entire ordeal, and, in the end, his gamble paid off.
