A$AP Rocky Found Not Guilty in Assault Trial with Rihanna by His Side

Image credits: Daniel Cole/Pool Photo via AP

The trial of A$AP Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, has come to a close with a not guilty verdict on two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. The jury deliberated for just three hours before reaching the verdict, which was met with an outpouring of emotion from Rocky and his supporters, including his partner Rihanna. The verdict brings an end to a three-week trial that saw both the prosecution and defense present their cases, with the prosecution alleging that Rocky had fired a gun at a former friend, A$AP Relli, in a Hollywood street in 2021.

Rihanna was in attendance at the trial, and was seen holding hands with Rocky and supporting him throughout the proceedings. She also brought their two sons, RZA and Riot, to the courtroom on several occasions. After the verdict was read, Rocky leapt from the defense table into the gallery, where he was met with tears and hugs from Rihanna and his family. The scene was one of relief and jubilation, with Rocky thanking the jury and God for the verdict. The trial was a high-profile one, with many in the music and entertainment industries following the case closely.

The prosecution had alleged that Rocky had fired a gun at A$AP Relli, causing minor injuries, and had presented several witnesses who testified against him. However, the defense argued that the gun was a prop used for a music video, and that Rocky had acted in self-defense after Relli had attacked another member of their crew. The jury was instructed to consider the possibility that Rocky had reasonably believed he or one of his friends was in imminent danger, and that he had used reasonable force to protect himself. In the end, the jury found that there was reasonable doubt about Rocky's guilt, and delivered a not guilty verdict.

The verdict is a significant one for Rocky, who had faced the possibility of more than 24 years in prison if he had been convicted. Instead, he is now free to continue his music and acting career, and is scheduled to headline the Rolling Loud music festival in March. He is also set to star in a new film, "Highest 2 Lowest," alongside Denzel Washington, and will be one of the celebrity co-chairs of the Met Gala in May. Rihanna, who has been a constant source of support for Rocky throughout the trial, was seen checking a reporter who asked Rocky about his feelings towards A$AP Relli, making it clear that she was not interested in discussing the topic further.

The case has sparked a lot of interest and debate, with many people following the trial and its outcome. The verdict is a reminder that the justice system is designed to presume innocence until guilt is proven, and that the burden of proof lies with the prosecution. In this case, the prosecution was unable to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt, and the jury delivered a not guilty verdict. The outcome of the trial will likely have significant implications for Rocky's career and personal life, and will be closely watched by fans and observers in the days and weeks to come.