Jury deliberations are underway in A$AP Rocky’s felony assault trial, with a verdict expected soon.
UPDATE: Following jury deliberations, A$AP Rocky was found not guilty of all charges. See his reaction below:
A$AP Rocky to learn of his fate in felony assault case
The rapper, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, faces two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. If convicted, he could face up to 24 years in prison.
The charges stem from a 6 November 2021, altercation between Rocky and his former friend Terell Ephron, also known as A$AP Relli. Ephron claims Rocky fired two shots at him outside a Hollywood hotel following a dispute.
Rocky has pleaded not guilty, arguing that the firearm was a prop used for a music video and that no real shots were fired.
The defence claims Ephron fabricated the allegations in an attempt to extort money from Rocky, citing a $30 million (est. R552 million) lawsuit Ephron later filed against him.
What to expect from the verdict
The trial has seen weeks of heated arguments, conflicting testimonies, and dramatic courtroom moments.
Prosecutors have pushed for a conviction, arguing that Rocky brandished and discharged a real firearm during the incident. The defence, however, maintains that the gun in question was a harmless prop.
If found guilty, Rocky faces a potential 24-year sentence, though prosecutors have indicated they will recommend a term of 10 to 12 years. If acquitted, Rocky will walk free, but his legal battle with Ephron may continue in civil court due to the pending lawsuit.
Jurors began deliberations this morning and will continue until a unanimous verdict is reached.
A full recap of the trial
The trial has been marked by intense legal battles and high-profile moments.
Prosecutors presented surveillance footage and witness testimony to support their claim that Rocky fired a real weapon. They argued that Ephron’s injuries, including a wound to his hand, were consistent with a gunshot.
The defence countered that Ephron was unreliable and had lied under oath multiple times. Rocky’s attorney, Joe Tacopina, argued that the incident was exaggerated and that Ephron’s claims were financially motivated.
The courtroom saw several heated exchanges between attorneys, with the judge reprimanding both sides at different points in the trial.
The presence of Rihanna, Rocky’s partner and mother of his children, brought heightened media attention, with prosecutors cautioning jurors not to let celebrity influence their decision.
The jury now holds Rocky’s fate in their hands, and all eyes are on the Los Angeles courthouse as the world awaits the verdict.