A$AP Rocky has been found not guilty and cleared of all felony assault charges following a three-week trial in Los Angeles, avoiding a potential 24-year prison sentence.

Photo Credit: A$AP Rocky by Chad Cooper / CC by 2.0

The rapper, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, faced two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm stemming from a 2021 incident on Hollywood Boulevard. The case centered around allegations that Rocky fired two shots at former friend A$AP Relli near the W Hotel.

Rocky's defense team successfully argued that the alleged weapon was merely a prop firing blanks, a claim supported by multiple witnesses, despite the gun never being recovered. His attorney, Joe Tacopina, challenged the credibility of A$AP Relli (Terell Ephron), characterizing him as "a perjury machine" and noting that he only sustained minor "knuckle scrapes" during the altercation.

Following the verdict, Rocky embraced his legal team and partner Rihanna, who was present in the courtroom. The couple shares two children together.

Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman respected the jury's decision while emphasizing that "fame does not place anyone above the law."

Rocky, a three-time Grammy nominee, is set to release his fourth studio album, "Don't Be Dumb," later this year. His most recent nomination was for Best Music Video for "Tailor Swif."

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