A jury found rapper A$AP Rocky not guilty Tuesday on two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm.
After the verdict was read, Rocky, whose full name is Rakim Mayers, dove into the courtroom gallery to hug his longtime girlfriend, Rihanna, the Associated Press reported.
During the trial, Rocky invoked his Fifth Amendment right and waived his right to testify during the weeks-long trial in Los Angeles.
He initially faced 24 years in prison after turning down a 180-day pretrial plea deal offered by the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office.
A$AP Rocky was charged with two felony counts stemming from a November 2021 incident. (Allison Dinner)
“While today’s verdict is not the outcome we sought, we respect the jury’s decision and the integrity of our justice system,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said in a statement provided to Fox News Digital. “Our office remains committed to seeking accountability for those who break the law, no matter their status or influence. Fame does not place anyone above the law, and we will not waver in our pursuit of justice for victims and the community.
Hochman added, “I want to thank Deputy District Attorneys Paul Przelomiec and John Lewin for their dedication and tireless efforts in presenting this case. I also commend the prosecutors and investigators of our Central Division for their hard work and professionalism throughout this process. Our mission remains clear: to uphold the law, protect public safety, and ensure justice for all.”
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In the courtroom, Rocky showed gratitude toward the jury after the verdict was read. “Thank y’all for saving my life,” Rocky told the jurors, according to the Associated Press.
A$AP Rocky clasped his hands together while the verdict was read in court. (Daniel Cole)
Following the verdict, the musician exited the courtroom and shared a statement with the press.
“We want to thank God first. We got to thank God. I really want to thank the jury for making the right decision. This is so crazy right now, this whole experience has been crazy,” Rocky said.
During the trial, Rihanna was present in the courtroom. On one occasion, she brought both of their toddler sons, and when the verdict was read, she cried and hugged the defense lawyers, the Associated Press reported.
“We want to thank God first. We got to thank God. I really want to thank the jury for making the right decision.”
On Tuesday night, Rihanna shared a statement on her Instagram story.
Rihanna shared a message to her Instagram story after the ASAP Rocky verdict. (Badgalriri/Instagram)
Rihanna supported A$AP Rocky in court during his trial. (Liam McEwan)
“The glory belongs to God and God alone! Thankful, humbled by His mercy!” she wrote, adding a prayer hands emoji.
The “Praise the Lord” singer was charged with double felony counts stemming from a November 2021 shooting incident in Hollywood, Fox News Digital confirmed at the time.
“While today’s verdict is not the outcome we sought, we respect the jury’s decision and the integrity of our justice system.”
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An argument occurred between Rocky and an acquaintance in the Hollywood area on Nov. 6. The argument escalated, and the rapper allegedly fired a handgun at the acquaintance, who sustained minor injuries, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
The man he was accused of shooting was a former friend, A$AP Relli, who sustained minor injuries to his hand.
Rocky’s lawyer, Joe Tacopina, argued that the firearm Rocky shot was a prop gun that only fired blank rounds, which he had been carrying for security purposes for several months.
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky in 2023 (Christopher Polk)
Deputy District Attorney John Lewin told jurors in his closing argument to not let Rocky or Rihanna’s celebrity influence persuade them, according to the Associated Press.
Lewin even suggested that Rihanna bringing her two sons was an attempt to persuade the jury.
“You are not allowed to consider how this might affect Rihanna and his kids,” Lewin told the jurors. “We are all responsible for our own actions in the world.”
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Fox News Digital’s Janelle Ash contributed to this report.