A$AP Rocky Cleared in Hollywood Shooting Trial

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2 days ago

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 Imagesstory last updated 2 days ago

The Facts

A Los Angeles jury has found rapper A$AP Rocky, born Rakim Mayers, not guilty on two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm after deliberating for about three hours, clearing him of charges that could have led to a 24-year prison sentence.
Mayers was accused of shooting at former friend A$AP Relli — legal name Terell Ephron — during an argument, allegedly causing a minor injury on Nov. 6, 2021 in Hollywood. The defense and witnesses claimed Rocky used a prop gun, shooting blanks in self-defense.
Prior to the trial, Rocky rejected a plea deal offering 180 days in jail, maintaining his innocence throughout the proceedings while invoking his Fifth Amendment right not to testify.

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.

Legalaffairsandtrials Complex

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.

NewsOne Guardian