A$AP Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, was found not guilty on all counts in his felony assault trial on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.
The verdict concludes a three-week legal battle over a 2021 altercation with his former friend, A$AP Relli (Terell Ephron).
Mayers faced two felony assault charges stemming from an incident outside the W Hotel in Hollywood on November 6, 2021. Ephron claimed Mayers pointed a gun at his head and stomach before firing a shot that grazed his hand. However, the defence, led by attorney Joe Tacopina, argued Ephron’s injuries were minor “knuckle scrapes.” They insisted Mayers used a prop gun to stop a fight, not to harm anyone.
A$AP Twelvyy (Jamel Phillips) testified that Mayers fired warning shots to protect A$AP Illz (Illijah Ulanger) from Ephron’s aggression. Additionally, the defence questioned shell casings Ephron said he found at the scene, noting his recent visit to a Los Angeles gun range. Mayers rejected a plea deal with 180 days in jail and maintained his innocence. A conviction could have meant 24 years in prison.
Rihanna, Mayers’ partner and mother of his children, attended the trial to support him. However, Judge Arnold barred mention of her presence during closing arguments. With the not-guilty verdict, A$AP Rocky avoids prison and moves forward. Meanwhile, Ephron’s $30 million civil lawsuit against him remains unresolved.
