A$AP Rocky

Los Angeles, California – BBC News

Rapper A$AP Rocky has been found not guilty of firing a gun at a former friend during a confrontation in Hollywood.

A jury in Los Angeles acquitted the artist, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, on two felony assault charges that could have led to a prison sentence of up to 24 years.

The case stemmed from allegations made by Terell Ephron, who claimed that the Grammy-nominated musician shot at him during an argument on November 6, 2021, grazing his knuckles in the process. However, Mayers denied the accusations, asserting that the weapon in question was a prop gun and that Ephron, known as A$AP Relli, was motivated by financial gain.

As the first not-guilty verdict was announced in court on Tuesday, cheers and applause erupted. Mayers immediately turned to his family and longtime partner, pop icon Rihanna, leaping over a wooden barrier to embrace them. Rihanna, who had been present throughout the trial, brought along their two sons, two-year-old RZA and one-year-old Riot, for the final hearing.

Following the second not-guilty verdict, Mayers appeared emotional, with tears in his eyes as he embraced his legal team. "Thank God for saving my life," he said, expressing gratitude to the 12-person jury.

Background and Trial Details

Mayers and Ephron, once close friends and members of the A$AP Mob hip-hop collective, had known each other since high school in New York. Their friendship deteriorated as Mayers' career ascended. On the night of the alleged incident, the two met outside a hotel near the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a day after a dispute.

Prosecutors claimed that Mayers brandished a firearm, pointed it at Ephron, and threatened to kill him. Ephron testified that he dared Mayers to shoot, after which the rapper walked away. However, according to the prosecution, Mayers then turned back and fired multiple shots, one of which allegedly grazed Ephron's hand.

A key aspect of the trial was whether the gun was a real, lethal weapon or merely a prop, as argued by the defense. No firearm was ever recovered by authorities.

Although surveillance footage captured parts of the confrontation, no direct visual evidence showed the alleged shooting. Ephron reported the incident two days later and presented shell casings he claimed to have collected from the scene. However, police responding to reports of gunfire that night did not find any shell casings. Ephron, who later sought medical attention in New York rather than Los Angeles, maintained that he had retrieved evidence himself.

The defense suggested Ephron had planted the shell casings in an attempt to frame Mayers, fueling a heated courtroom atmosphere. The trial featured dramatic moments, including a combative exchange between Ephron and Mayers' attorney, Joe Tacopina. At one point, Ephron called Tacopina "annoying," prompting a reprimand from the judge.

Additionally, during testimony, another witness, A$AP Twelvyy, was questioned about a photo showing Mayers’ bed with the letters "AWGE." When asked about its meaning, Mayers unexpectedly interrupted, yelling, "Don't say!" The moment was highly unusual, as defendants rarely interject during trials, particularly in front of a jury.

Looking Ahead

Following his acquittal, A$AP Rocky is set to release his first solo album in nearly a decade. He is also scheduled to co-headline Los Angeles' Rolling Loud festival in March 2025. Beyond music, Mayers will star alongside Denzel Washington in Spike Lee’s upcoming film Highest 2 Lowest, set for release in the coming months.