ASAP Rocky Found Not Guilty in Los Angeles Assault Trial
Rocky’s Case Marked by Courtroom Drama and Superstar Support
ASAP Rocky has been acquitted of two counts of assault stemming from a 2021 Hollywood shooting, capping a month-long trial marked by allegations of courtroom misconduct and frequent appearances by the defendant’s superstar paramour, Rihanna.
Jury Delivers Verdict
The verdict was read in front of a packed courtroom, including Rihanna, who Rocky leaped over a courtroom divider to hug as his supporters let out a loud roar when the court clerk read the words “not guilty.”
Rocky’s Reaction
“Thank y’all for saving my life,” Rocky told the jury as they exited. “You’re making the right decision.”
The Trial: A Tale of Two Witnesses
The case largely came down to the credibility of two people: Terrell Ephron (a.k.a. ASAP Relli), the only eyewitness to the shooting, and Jamel Phillips (a.k.a. ASAP Twelvyy), who was with Rocky the night of the shooting and claimed he knew the gun was fake.
Evidence and Testimony
Evidence in the case initially appeared limited, with Los Angeles police officers finding no evidence of a shooting at the scene. Ephron reported the attack two days later and claimed to have recovered two shell casings at the scene. There were no forensics tying Rocky to the shooting, and a weapon was never recovered.
Rocky’s Defense
Defense attorney Joe Tacopina contended that Rocky was defending himself after Ephron attacked him on the street. Just before trial, Tacopina admitted that Rocky was the person caught on camera shooting at Ephron, but insisted the weapon was a “prop gun” Rocky took off the set of a music video he filmed with Rihanna.
Conclusion
The outcome of the trial was a significant victory for Rocky, whose legal name is Rakim Mayers. The trial was marked by courtroom drama, with allegations of misconduct and frequent appearances by Rihanna, Rocky’s supermodel girlfriend. The verdict upholds Rocky’s claims of self-defense, and he is now free to resume his music career and other pursuits.
FAQs
* What was ASAP Rocky accused of?
+ Two counts of assault stemming from a 2021 Hollywood shooting
* Who was the prosecution’s key witness?
+ Terrell Ephron (a.k.a. ASAP Relli), the only eyewitness to the shooting
* What was the defense’s main argument?
+ That Rocky was defending himself after Ephron attacked him on the street
* What was the verdict?
+ Not guilty
* What is ASAP Rocky’s next move?
+ He is set to release his first solo album in nearly a decade, headline L.A.’s Rolling Loud music festival, and star in a Spike Lee film later this year.
