A$AP Rocky Found Not Guilty: Celebrity Reactions and Trial Details

Image credits: Daniel Cole/Reuters

The recent trial of A$AP Rocky has come to a close, with the rapper being found not guilty of firing a gun at a former friend in Hollywood. The verdict was met with celebration from Rocky's partner, Rihanna, and other celebrities who took to social media to express their relief and support. The trial, which lasted for three weeks, saw Rocky facing two felony counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm, carrying a potential sentence of up to 24 years in prison. The jury deliberated for only three hours before clearing Rocky of the charges, allowing him to avoid a lengthy prison term.

Rocky's acquittal was a significant victory for the rapper, who had maintained his innocence throughout the trial. His lawyer, Joe Tacopina, argued that the prosecution's key witness, A$AP Relli, was "an angry pathological liar" who had committed perjury multiple times. The defense also presented evidence that Rocky had been carrying a prop gun that only fired blanks, which he had taken from a music video set months earlier. The jurors were instructed that if they found Rocky had reasonably believed he or his friends were in imminent danger, and had used reasonable force, they could find him not guilty. The verdict was likely influenced by the testimony of key witnesses and the evidence presented by the defense, which raised doubts about the prosecution's case.

The trial was closely watched by the music and entertainment industries, with many celebrities weighing in on the verdict. Rihanna, who had attended the trial sporadically and brought the couple's two sons to some of the closing arguments, cried and hugged the defense lawyers when the verdict was read. Other celebrities, including Nicki Minaj, Ye (formerly known as Kanye West), and 50 Cent, took to social media to congratulate Rocky on his acquittal. The verdict is likely to have a significant impact on Rocky's career, allowing him to move forward with his music and acting projects without the threat of prison hanging over him.

Some of the key points from the trial include: * Rocky was charged with two felony counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm * The prosecution alleged that Rocky had fired a gun at A$AP Relli, a former friend, during an argument in Hollywood * The defense argued that Rocky had been carrying a prop gun that only fired blanks, and had used it as a warning to protect himself and his friends * The jury deliberated for only three hours before finding Rocky not guilty * The verdict was met with celebration from Rocky's partner, Rihanna, and other celebrities who took to social media to express their relief and support.

The acquittal of A$AP Rocky is a significant development in the music and entertainment industries, and is likely to have far-reaching implications for the rapper's career and personal life. With the threat of prison no longer hanging over him, Rocky is free to move forward with his music and acting projects, including a scheduled headline performance at the Rolling Loud music festival in March and a co-starring role in director Spike Lee's film Highest 2 Lowest. The verdict is also likely to be seen as a victory for the defense team, who successfully argued that Rocky had acted in self-defense and had not committed a crime.