US rapper A$AP Rocky was acquitted of two felony assault charges by a California jury related to a 2021 shooting involving a former friend in Los Angeles.
His attorneys argued the gun was a prop that only fired blanks.
Rocky did not testify during the trial, and Rihanna was present when the verdict was announced.
“Thank you all for saving my life,” said Rocky following the verdict.
His defense claimed the gun was a prop from a music video set and used for security.
The case involved a November 2021 incident between Rocky and his high school friend, A$AP Relli, during a confrontation outside a Hollywood hotel.
Relli testified that Rocky shot at him, grazing his knuckles.
However, A$AP Twelvyy, a mutual friend, stated that Relli was the aggressor and Rocky fired the gun as a warning, adding the weapon fired blanks.
Surveillance footage partially captured the incident, and investigators found no weapons or ammo at the scene.
Relli later handed over the shell casings he claimed to have found as the defense painted Relli as motivated by jealousy and financial gain.
LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said they respected the jury’s decision but remained committed to pursuing justice for victims regardless of fame.
