American Rapper, ASAP Rocky found not guilty of shooting a former friend

Rapper A$AP Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, has been found not guilty in a high-profile case involving allegations that he fired a handgun at his former friend, A$AP Relli (Terell Ephron), during an altercation in November 2021. The trial, which lasted 13 days in a Los Angeles courtroom, ended with the jury delivering a verdict after roughly three hours of deliberation. If convicted, Mayers could have faced up to 24 years in prison. The rapper, visibly relieved, thanked the jury for what he described as "saving his life." His long-time partner, pop icon Rihanna, who attended the trial in support of Mayers, was seen emotionally reacting to the decision.

The case revolved around conflicting testimonies and evidence presented by the prosecution and defense. While the prosecution claimed Mayers discharged a firearm during the confrontation, the defense argued that he had only fired blanks from a prop gun. The evidence included shell casings that Ephron reportedly presented to the police days after the incident. Despite being offered a plea deal that would have sentenced him to six months in jail, Mayers refused to accept it, choosing to maintain his innocence and face trial. Though he has now been acquitted, a civil lawsuit has been filed against him by Ephron, seeking damages for defamation and other alleged harms.

With the trial behind him, Mayers can now focus on his personal life and career without the looming fear of imprisonment. The rapper, who shares two children with Rihanna, has remained a prominent figure in the music industry, and his acquittal allows him to continue his artistic endeavors. The verdict also marks the end of a lengthy legal battle that has garnered significant media attention, with fans and industry insiders closely following the proceedings. However, legal challenges may still persist due to the ongoing civil suit filed against him.