A$AP Rocky acquitted: Jury clears rap star of gun charges
By decision of the jury in Los Angeles, rapper A$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 was moved to tears in the courtroom and expressed his feelings online.
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky undoubtedly form one of the most popular couples in the entertainment world. In recent months, dark clouds loomed over the star-studded duo. The rapper was accused of assault with a semi-automatic firearm, which carried a potential sentence of up to 24 years in prison. The incident occurred in November 2021.
On Tuesday, 18th February, a crucial court hearing took place during which A$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 partner throughout the trial.
A$AP Rocky was acquitted. "Thank y’all for saving my life"
During the hearing at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center, each juror confirmed that the decision was based on their own judgement. After the verdict was announced, Rocky shared his joy with his lawyers, family, and loved ones. As soon as he heard he was not guilty, he fell into the arms of a tearful Rihanna, and a video of this moment spread across social media.
Thank y’all for saving my life - A$AP Rocky said to the jury, according to AP.
On Tuesday evening, shortly after the court's verdict, Rihanna posted on InstaStories.
A$AP Rocky stood trial. How the process unfolded
During the trial, surveillance footage was presented, where two explosions, interpreted as gunshots, were heard. The defence questioned this evidence, highlighting the absence of a recovered weapon and inconsistencies in Relli's testimony. The rapper's attorney, Joe Tacopina, claimed that Rocky only carried a "prop gun" for self-defence purposes. Prosecutor John Lewin urged the jurors not to be swayed by Rihanna's presence in the courtroom. He emphasised that fame should not affect their decision.
This is not the end of Rihanna's partner's troubles
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 refutes these allegations, claiming that the injuries resulted from third-party actions.
