A$AP Rocky was overwhelmed with joy after being found not guilty in his shooting trial on Tuesday, immediately embracing longtime girlfriend Rihanna in the courtroom.
A video captured the emotional moment as the rapper—real name Rakim Athelaston Mayers—rushed to Rihanna, who was seated with his mother and sister.
Rihanna, visibly tearful, later shared on Instagram, “The glory belongs to God and God alone! Thankful and humbled by His mercy.”
The trial, which began in late January, centered on a 2021 altercation with former bandmate Terell Ephron (A$AP Relli). Rocky was charged with two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm and faced up to 24 years in prison.
He pleaded not guilty and rejected a plea deal that included jail time and probation.
His defense argued the weapon was a prop that only fired blanks. The jury delivered a verdict in under four hours, highlighting the prosecution’s weak case. Rocky’s attorney, Joe Tacopina, called it “a journey to justice.”
Los Angeles County prosecutors acknowledged the decision, stating they respect the verdict but remain committed to enforcing the law. Now, Rocky and Rihanna can move forward with their lives, focusing on their two children and family.
