How Rocky Beat the Case: Inside the Dramatic Courtroom Victory in a Felony Gun Trial

In what will surely be a pop culture moment for the ages, rapper ASAP Rocky (real name Rakim Mayers) was found not guilty on two felony assault charges relating to a Hollywood shooting incident in 2021. The verdict, rendered on Feb. 18, 2025, concluded a high-stakes legal fight that had threatened to upend the career of the Grammy-nominated musician and style icon — and left fans, legal experts and even Rocky himself in tears of relief.

Here’s a breakdown of the trial, the drama and what this means for ASAP Rocky’s future.

The Verdict:  An Emotional Courtroom Scene

The Los Angeles courtroom erupted in cheering as the jury foreperson said “not guilty” on both counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. Rocky, 36, hopped from his seat at the defense table and into the embrace of his longtime partner, the singer Rihanna, who had been seated in the front row next to his mother and sister. The couple embraced tightly, crying as supporters in the gallery cheered.

And the jury deliberating took just three hours to reach that decision—an astoundingly short time for a case that, if proven convincing, could have locked Rocky up for a minimum of 24 years. “Thank y’all for saving my life,” Rocky said to the jurors as they left the courtroom.

What Was the Case About?

The trial was based on accusations that Rocky discharged a firearm at Terell Ephron (also known as ASAP Relli), a childhood friend and former member of the ASAP Mob collective, during a heated exchange outside a Hollywood hotel in November 2021. Prosecutors said Rocky fired at Ephron multiple times, with one bullet grazing his knuckles. Ephron testified the feud grew out of years of jealousy and tension as Rocky’s fame outshone their friendship.

Rocky’s lawyers, led by attorney Joe Tacopina, argued that the gun was a prop starter pistol that couldn’t shoot live ammunition. Recommended: They said Rocky had it for security after grabbing it from a music video set and fired blanks in warning during the confrontation. Tacopina also portrayed Ephron as a money-seeking “pathological liar,” noting a civil suit Ephron filed against Rocky in 2022 seeking millions in damages.

Timeline of the Trial’s Key Moments

The Prop Gun Defense

Surveillance video showed Rocky holding something in his hand during the fight, but no actual gun was recovered. Defense witnesses said Rocky often carried a starter pistol for protection that only fires blanks. Tacopina claimed that Ephron’s injury — a scrape on his knuckles — could not have been caused by a real bullet. “There’s never been a bullet in the world that could’ve done that,” he told jurors.

Rihanna in the Courtroom

Rihanna, who shares two small sons with Rocky, appeared intermittently throughout the trial. Her most memorable moment came at closing arguments when she brought their toddlers, RZA (2) and Riot (1), in matching tiny suits. Prosecutors said she was trying to manipulate the jury emotionally, but the judge permitted the children to remain in the courtroom.

Ephron’s Credibility on the Line

During cross-examination, Ephron became visibly frustrated, calling Tacopina “annoying” and saying phone recordings presented by the defense were “fake.” The defense focused on Ephron’s belated police report (two days after the fact) and his failure to obtain prompt medical attention. Tacopina also showed text messages in which Ephron challenged Rocky to “beat me up,” which Ephron deleted.

The Plea Deal Rejection

Ahead of the trial, Rocky rejected a plea deal that would have forced him to serve six months in jail and three years on probation. Rocky hadn’t wanted to plead guilty to something he hadn’t done, Tacopina later said.

Why the Jury Leaned on Rocky’s side

The jury’s quick verdict indicates that they saw reasonable doubt in the prosecution’s case. Key factors included:

No physical evidence: There was no gun, bullets or shell casings found left at the scene. Ephron said he collected casings himself a few hours later, but prosecutors were unable to authenticate them.

Contradictory testimony: Witnesses loyal to Rocky, including ASAP Twelvyy, said the rapper had fired blanks to de-escalate the scene. Ephron was among prosecution witnesses accused of lying or exaggerating.

Self-defense argument: Jurors were directed to acquit if they found that Rocky was acting to protect himself or others. Surveillance video appeared to show Ephron clutching another member of ASAP Mob in front of him throughout the scuffle, which the defense said justified Rocky’s behavior.

A Power Couple’s Support System: Rihanna and Rocky

Rihanna’s loyalty to Rocky was the subplot of the trial. Rocky was trying to “shield her from this,” he said, but she was present at key hearings, including the verdict. Her presence highlighted the personal stakes for the couple, who have created a family and a global brand together. After the trial, Tacopina said, “Wild horses couldn’t keep her away”.

What’s Next for ASAP Rocky?

With the trial behind him, Rocky can get back to his flourishing career:

Music: His fourth studio album, Don’t Be Dumb, will come out in 2025.

Film: He appears in Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest, opposite Denzel Washington, which premieres this summer.

Fashion: He’s co-chairing May’s 2025 Met Gala.

The rapper also has a previous record of legal resilience. A global campaign led by celebrities and politicians to free him on bail resulted in avoiding prison time; he was convicted in Sweden of assault in 2019.

Final Thoughts

ASAP Rocky’s trial had all the trappings of a celebrity drama, legal strategy and high stakes. Although prosecutors insisted that “fame doesn’t put anyone above the law,” the jury’s decision ultimately came down to the absence of solid evidence and Ephron’s dubious motives. For Rocky, the verdict is more than a legal victory — it’s an opportunity to4 restore his life, nursing career, and family without the specter of prison hanging over him.

As he informed reporters outside the courthouse: “This whole experience has been crazy for the past 4 years. “I’m a free man”.