Rihanna fired back in ASAP Rocky’s defense after her partner’s recent trial verdict.
“ASAP, how does it feel losing your childhood best friend?” a fan shouted during a Tuesday, February 18, press conference.
Rihanna, 36, shushed the individual before replying, “How you think it feels?”
Rocky, also 36, was found not guilty during his jury trial on Tuesday, where he was charged with two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic weapon during an alleged 2021 incident with childhood friend ASAP Relli. Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, had fervently and vehemently denied the allegations.
ASAP Rocky Dives Head First Into Rihanna’s Arms Following Verdict: Watch
Rihanna, who has been dating Rocky since 2020 and shares two sons with him, attended courtroom proceedings. She broke her silence on the verdict later on Tuesday.
“The glory belongs to God and God alone,” Rihanna wrote via her Instagram Story. “Thankful, humbled by His mercy!”
After the trial verdict was read, Rocky said, “Thank y’all for saving my life,” before rushing to hug Rihanna. He shared similar sentiments after leaving the courthouse.
“First of all, I got to thank God. We want to thank God first, you know what I’m saying?” Rocky said in the press conference. “And I really want to thank the jury for making the right decision. I’m just so thankful. This is crazy right now.”
He added, “This whole experience has been crazy for the past four years, but I’m thankful, nonetheless, I’m thankful. Blessed to be here right now, to be a free man talkin’ to y’all. Thank you. All praise to God.”
Rihanna Supports Partner ASAP Rocky by Attending Trial
Rocky pleaded not guilty to the indictments last month, while Rihanna remained steadfast by his side.
“Rihanna is focusing on remaining calm as Rocky’s trial approaches,” a source exclusively told Us Weekly in January 2024. “She knows the whole situation is out of her hands, and all she can do is be there to show support for Rocky.”
The insider added, “Although this is a stressful time, she’s been strong for the whole family and is holding it all together for the sake of her children and for Rocky.”
Rocky was arrested in August 2022 for an alleged altercation with an “acquaintance” the year prior. After the rapper was released on bail within hours, he was named in a civil suit for charges of assault, battery and emotional distress. Rocky continued to maintain his innocence.
“Defendant generally denies each and every allegation of the complaint and specifically denies that Plaintiff has been damaged in any amount or in any way as a result of any act or omission of answering defendant,” a statement read at the time. “The injuries and/or damages complained of in the complaint, if any, were caused solely, directly and proximately by the negligent and/or intentional acts or omissions of person other than answering defendant.”
