A$AP Rocky acquitted: Legal victory amid ongoing challenges
By decision of the jury in Los Angeles, rapper A$AP Rocky was acquitted of charges of assault with a firearm. A video circulated in the media capturing the moment when the judge announced the acquittal verdict. The singer cried in the courtroom and spoke out online.
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky undoubtedly form one of the most popular couples in the show-business world. In recent months, dark clouds gathered over the star-studded duo. The rapper was accused of assault with a semi-automatic firearm, which carried a potential sentence of up to 24 years in prison. The incident occurred in November 2021.
On Tuesday, February 18, a crucial court hearing took place during which A$AP Rocky was cleared of the charges. The jury in Los Angeles acquitted him of the accusations of shooting A$AP Relli, a former friend and member of the A$AP Mob collective. Rihanna appeared in the courtroom, supporting her beloved throughout the trial.
A$AP Rocky was acquitted. "Thank you for saving my life"
During the hearing at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center, each juror confirmed that the decision was the result of their judgment. After the verdict was announced, Rocky shared his joy with his lawyers, family, and beloved. As soon as he heard he was not guilty, he fell into the arms of a crying Rihanna, and a video of this moment spread across social media.
Thank y’all for saving my life - A$AP Rocky said to the jury according to AP.
On Tuesday evening, shortly after the court's verdict announcement, Rihanna posted on InstaStories.
A$AP Rocky stood trial. How the process went
During the trial, monitoring footage was presented, where two explosions interpreted as gunshots were heard. The defence questioned this evidence, pointing out the lack of a found weapon and inconsistencies in Relli's testimony. The rapper's attorney, Joe Tacopina, claimed that Rocky only carried a "prop gun" for defensive purposes. Prosecutor John Lewin appealed to the jurors not to be swayed by Rihanna's presence in the courtroom. He emphasized that fame should not influence their decision.
This is not the end of Rihanna's beloved problems
Despite the acquittal, Rocky still faces a civil lawsuit filed by Relli. The man accuses the rapper of assault, battery, and causing emotional distress. Rocky's lawyer denies these allegations, claiming that the injuries were the result of third-party actions.
