A California jury has acquitted A$AP Rocky of two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm following a 2021 shooting incident involving a former friend in Los Angeles. The hip-hop artist, known for his relationship with singer Rihanna, expressed gratitude to the jury for 'saving my life' after the verdict was announced.
During the trial, it was argued that the weapon in question was a prop gun that only fired blanks, obtained from a music video set for security purposes. The defense maintained that the accuser, A$AP Relli, was driven by jealousy and financial motives to have Rocky charged with the shooting.
The incident, which occurred outside a Hollywood hotel, allegedly involved a scuffle between Rocky and Relli, resulting in shots being fired. Testimonies from witnesses, including A$AP Twelvyy, suggested that Rocky fired the gun as a warning and that it discharged blanks.
Despite the acquittal, LA County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman emphasized the commitment to seeking accountability for those who break the law, regardless of their status or influence. Hochman reiterated that fame does not exempt individuals from legal consequences.
Rihanna, who was present in the courtroom during the verdict, was seen with the couple's two young sons. The trial shed light on the dynamics within the A$AP Mob, a creative crew founded by Rocky and his associates in New York during their teenage years.
While the outcome may not have aligned with the prosecution's expectations, the justice system's integrity was upheld through the jury's decision. The case serves as a reminder that legal accountability applies to all individuals, irrespective of their celebrity status.
