A$AP Rocky Acquitted In Felony Assault Trial

On February 18th, 2025, a Los Angeles jury acquitted rapper A$AP Rocky of two felony assault charges involving a semi-automatic firearm. The charges stemmed from a November 2021 incident in Hollywood, where former friend and collaborator Terell Ephron, known as A$AP Relli, alleged that Rocky pointed a gun at him and fired twice, resulting in a minor injury to Ephron’s hand. Rocky’s defense argued that the firearm was a prop used in a music video and that Ephron was the aggressor during the altercation. The jury deliberated for approximately three hours before delivering the not guilty verdict. 

Following the decision, an emotional Rocky embraced his partner, Rihanna, who had been present throughout the trial. Rihanna later expressed gratitude on social media, attributing the favorable outcome to divine mercy. Despite the acquittal, Ephron has filed a civil lawsuit against Rocky, and the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing accountability, regardless of an individual’s status or influence.