By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Hip-hop artist ASAP Rocky has been found not guilty of shooting his former friend and collaborator, Terell Ephron, known as ASAP Relli. The jury reached its decision on Tuesday after nearly three hours of deliberation, clearing Rocky of two felony assault charges related to a 2021 incident.
Rakim Mayers, also known as ASAP Rocky, was visibly emotional after the verdict.
He celebrated with his wife, singer and businesswoman Rihanna, and thanked the jury. “Thank you all for saving my life,” he stated.
The case revolved around the question of whether Rocky had used a real gun or a prop firearm during an argument with Relli. Prosecutors argued that Rocky fired a semiautomatic gun, resulting in a grazing injury to Relli’s hand. However, the defense asserted that only blanks were used from a prop gun used in a music video.
The incident occurred near a Hollywood hotel in November 2021. Relli testified that he and Rocky had agreed to meet to settle their differences, culminating in an argument. Relli claimed that Rocky pulled out a gun and fired at him. Surveillance footage was presented showing Rocky holding a gun before the shooting. Witnesses for the defense, including ASAP Twelvyy, testified that Relli was aware of the gun’s status as a prop and that it was used to protect another friend, ASAP Illz.
Relli’s testimony was impassioned and at times required the intervention of the judge. He claimed he received death threats related to the accusations. The defense dismissed his claims, portraying him as unreliable and potentially motivated by financial gain.
With the case concluded, Rocky is free to continue his career. He is scheduled to perform at the Rolling Loud festival in March and will be a celebrity chair at the Met Gala in May. He also has a movie directed by Spike Lee, starring Denzel Washington, set for release.
Relli had filed a lawsuit against Rocky for damages and defamation, but the defense believes the not-guilty verdict will impact the case.
Had the jury found Rocky guilty, he could have faced up to 24 years in prison.