ASAP Rocky Found Not Guilty of Shooting Former Friend in Assault Trial
New York TimesFEB 17
A$AP Rocky Cleared in Hollywood Shooting Trial
Above: Rakim Mayers, aka A$AP Rocky, appears in court for the verdict in his felony assault trial at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in Los Angeles, on Feb. 18, 2025. Image copyright: Daniel Cole/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Given the evidence presented, this verdict makes complete sense. Not only did one of Rocky's managers confirm that Rocky used a prop gun to deter threats, but the alleged bullets found by Relli and given to police didn't match the gun allegedly used to shoot him. It appears Relli fabricated this entire case, most likely as a money grab.
Narrative B
While Rocky may be innocent of these specific charges, this case shouldn't blind us from the very real culture of violence in the rap industry. From Rocky's own history of assault to the countless other victims of violence — particularly women — at the hands of famous rappers, this disgraceful trend must be exposed and remedied immediately.