Rihanna Breaks Silence After A$AP Rocky’s Not Guilty Verdict in Assault Trial
Rihanna has publicly commented after her boyfriend, A$AP Rocky, was acquitted in his assault trial. The 36-year-old rapper, born Rakim Mayers, had been accused of firing a handgun at his former friend, Terell Ephron—also known as A$AP Relli—during a confrontation on November 6, 2021, as reported by BBC News.
Ephron claimed that Rocky fired two shots, one of which grazed his knuckle, though he was not seriously injured. Rocky and Ephron, both childhood friends from New York and previous members of the A$AP Mob hip-hop collective, had reportedly drifted apart as Rocky’s career took off. Their dispute culminated in the altercation outside a Hollywood hotel near the Walk of Fame.
According to Ephron, during the incident, Rocky drew a gun from his waistband, pointing it at him while threatening, “I’ll kill you right now.” Ephron testified that he dared Rocky to shoot, and although the rapper initially walked away, he later returned and fired multiple shots. One of the bullets allegedly grazed Ephron’s hand.
A key issue in the trial was whether the weapon was a real, dangerous firearm, as Ephron and the prosecution argued, or simply a harmless prop, as the defense contended. Authorities were never able to recover the weapon in question. Surveillance footage, which played a crucial role in the case, showed parts of the altercation and included audio of gunfire, but no video definitively captured Rocky firing a weapon.
Ephron waited two days before reporting the incident, presenting shell casings he claimed to have collected from the scene. However, when police initially responded, no casings were found. Additionally, the prosecution’s case lacked hospital records since Ephron only sought medical attention after returning to New York.
Rocky consistently denied the charges and rejected a plea deal that would have resulted in six months of jail time. Instead, he chose to go to trial, a decision that ultimately led to his acquittal on charges that could have resulted in up to 24 years in prison.
Throughout the trial, Rocky’s attorney, Joe Tacopina, strongly defended his client, labeling Ephron as an “angry pathological liar” who had “committed perjury repeatedly.”
After the not guilty verdict was announced, the courtroom erupted in cheers. Rocky immediately rushed toward his family and partner, Rihanna, leaping over a wooden barrier to embrace them. Rihanna, who had been present throughout the trial, was accompanied by the couple’s two young sons, RZA and Riot.
Following the verdict, Rihanna shared her thoughts on Instagram, writing: “The glory belongs to God and God alone. Thankful, humbled by his mercy!”
In conclusion, A$AP Rocky’s acquittal marks the end of a highly publicized legal battle that spanned over two years. Despite the serious allegations, the jury’s decision highlighted the lack of conclusive evidence and the contradictions in the prosecution’s case. For Rihanna and Rocky, the verdict brings relief and marks a moment of personal triumph. As the couple continues to support each other, their focus now shifts away from the courtroom, with Rihanna expressing gratitude and faith in a higher power. This trial, though tumultuous, has further solidified their bond as they navigate through this challenging chapter of their lives together.
