A$AP Rocky
Rapper A$AP Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, has been found not guilty of firing a gun at his former friend, Terell Ephron, during an argument in Los Angeles in 2021.
A jury acquitted the Grammy-nominated musician on two felony assault charges that could have led to up to 24 years in prison.
The incident occurred on November 6, 2021, when Ephron, who goes by the name A$AP Relli, claimed that A$AP Rocky shot at him during a confrontation on a Hollywood street, grazing his knuckles with one of the shots.
Mayers denied the charges, asserting that the weapon was a prop gun and that his former friend was only seeking money. As the not-guilty verdict was read in court on Tuesday, cheers and clapping filled the room. A$AP Rocky quickly rushed to embrace his family, including his partner, pop star Rihanna, who was seated behind him.
“I thank God for saving my life,” Mayers said emotionally, expressing gratitude toward the 12-person jury.
The dispute between the two men dates back to their high school days in New York, where they were part of the A$AP Mob hip-hop collective. However, their friendship soured as A$AP Rocky’s career began to rise.
The incident occurred a day after the pair argued at a hotel near the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Despite the legal challenges, Mayers has been cleared of the charges, marking a victory for the rapper.