Users Weigh In as A$AP Rocky Is Found Not Guilty in Shooting Case Against Former Friend — Video from the Courtroom

After hours of deliberation, a jury cleared A$AP Rocky of felony assault charges in a 2021 shooting case. The verdict quickly sparked discussions online.

After a 13-day trial, the jury at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center acquitted Grammy-nominated rapper A$AP Rocky on February 18 in a felony assault case stemming from a 2021 shooting involving his former collaborator, Terell Ephron, known as A$AP Relli.

Moments after the decision was read, Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, expressed his relief and gratitude to the jury. "Thank y'all for saving my life," he told jurors. The verdict, delivered after nearly three hours of deliberation, has sparked netizens' reactions.

The case, according to The New York Times, centered on a dispute between Rocky and Relli, former high school friends and members of the A$AP Mob rap collective. Relli testified that they agreed to meet on the evening of November 6, 2021, in a parking garage near the W Hotel in Hollywood to resolve their differences.

Relli claimed that Rocky arrived with two men — A$AP Twelvyy, born Jamel Phillips, and A$AP Illz, born Illijah Ulanger. After a brief argument, the groups separated, but the confrontation resumed moments later.

He also alleged that Rocky pulled a gun from his waistband and fired at him, grazing his right hand. Prosecutors presented surveillance footage showing Rocky holding a gun before the shooting to support their case. "The whole thing was like a movie, he kind of like pointed down and he shot the first shot," Relli testified.

The trial hinged on the jury's assessment of the gun used in the incident. Prosecutors argued that it was a semiautomatic firearm, while defense witnesses testified that it was a prop gun obtained during the filming of a music video.

The defense further argued that Rocky had been carrying the prop gun for months on the advice of a security consultant and only intended to protect Illz during the confrontation. Witnesses, including Twelvyy, testified that Relli was aware the gun was fake.

They further claimed that Relli exaggerated the incident to extort Rocky and bolster his case for damages in an upcoming civil trial.

Crucially, the court never introduced a firearm as evidence, and Rocky did not take the stand during the trial. If convicted of both counts, he could have faced up to 24 years in prison.

Rocky's partner, Rihanna, attended the final verdict of the case. Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney John Lewin urged jurors not to be swayed by her presence.

Rocky's attorney, Joe Tacopina, later revealed that the rapper had not wanted Rihanna at the trial. "He wanted to shield her from this. Wild horses couldn't keep her away," Tacopina added.

According to Entertainment Tonight, on February 13, Rihanna attended several court sessions in support of Rocky, but once, she brought their two sons, RZA, 2, and Riot Rose, 9 months.

She arrived at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in Los Angeles holding her son, Riot, while another woman carried RZA. Rocky's mother, Renee Black, and his sister were also present.

Following the news of Rocky's not-guilty verdict, social media erupted with reactions. One supporter posted, "Amen!!!!!!! Now go home to your wife and babies man I'm crying real tears!!! I'm so happy for him."

Others speculated about the trial's outcome. One user wrote, "I know that cost Rihanna a pretty penny 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😬," while another commented, "When you have money evidence goes missing."

One skeptic acknowledged their initial doubt when A$AP Rocky rejected a plea deal but noted that his decision ultimately led to freedom. A separate user expressed happiness with the trial's result for the rapper and Rihanna, while someone else called him an "innocent man."

Back in January 2025, according to ABC News, Rocky rejected a plea deal that would have required him to serve 180 days in jail, three years of probation, and other minor conditions in exchange for pleading guilty to an assault with a gun charge.

His attorney, Tacopina, confirmed the offer, stating that the rapper had no interest in accepting it because he maintained his innocence. "If convicted, he could have faced up to 24 years in prison," Tacopina said.

The attorney expressed confidence that Rocky would be vindicated and recognized the emotional toll the case had on him and his family, especially his two young children. Despite the challenges, he stressed that Rocky was ready to face the legal battle head-on.

Continuing the netizens' discussions about the outcome of Rocky's case, more users noticed one heartwarming action he made. A netizen noted that Rocky seemed to have immediately jumped toward Rihanna.

"❤️❤️🙌🙌🔥🔥yes he went to hug his wife ❤️❤️," a different user said, while another expressed the same sentiment, "Not him diving on Riri 😭😭😭🤣."

Rihanna responded to A$AP Rocky's acquittal by sharing a message on her Instagram Story, crediting the outcome to God and expressing her gratitude for the verdict.

The verdict clears A$AP Rocky of all charges, closing this chapter of his legal battle.