Rapper A$AP Rocky has been set free after a dramatic trial in Los Angeles. The jury delivered a verdict of not guilty on two counts of felony assault with a semi-automatic firearm, and it only took them three hours to reach a decision. The case stemmed from a 2021 shooting incident in Hollywood involving former A$AP Mob member A$AP Relli. Rocky had maintained his innocence, claiming he fired blanks from a prop weapon.?
With a maximum prison sentence of 24 years and four months hanging over his head, this verdict is a huge relief for the rapper. His family, including Rihanna and their two young sons, was by his side throughout the trial. RiRi also took to her Instagram account to express her relief after the verdict.
A$AP Rocky was overcome with emotion as he was found not guilty of two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. As the verdict was read, he leapt from the defense table and into the arms of his partner, Rihanna, who was seated in the gallery with his mother and sister. The courtroom, too, erupted in cheers and screams of joy.
"Thank you all for saving my life," Rocky told the jurors as they left, after deliberating for just three hours to reach the verdict that spared him a potential prison sentence of over 20 years.
As the couple exited the courthouse, they were met with a swarm of photographers, reporters, and fans, making it difficult for them to reach their waiting SUV. Amidst the chaos, Rocky expressed his relief, saying, "This whole experience has been crazy for the past 4 years. I'm thankful, and it's a blessing to be here right now as a free man, talking to y'all."
Following the verdict, Rihanna took to her Instagram account to share a message of gratitude. She penned, "The glory belongs to God and God alone. Thankful, humbled by his mercy."
Prior to the trial, he had rejected a plea deal that would have included a 6-month jail sentence. The verdict brings an end to a 4-year ordeal and allows Rocky to focus on his upcoming projects, including headlining the Rolling Loud music festival, co-chairing the Met Gala, and starring in a new film.
The case was about a 2021 incident in which Rocky allegedly fired gunshots at a former friend, A$AP Relli, during a confrontation in Hollywood. Rocky's defense team argued that he fired a prop gun loaded with blanks as a warning shot to protect another crew member.
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