A$AP Rocky acquitted of assault charges, celebrates with Rihanna in emotional courtroom moment

A$AP Rocky’s high-profile trial that might have changed his future came to an emotional end on Tuesday when he was declared not guilty on two felony assault charges. As soon as the verdict was announced, the hip-hop artist, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, jumped from the defense table to into Rihanna’s arms to celebrate. Chaos broke out in the courtroom, which was crowded with supporters and admirers. Sitting between Rocky’s mother and sister, Rihanna gave him a tight hug while they both sobbed with relief. In just three hours, the jury rejected the prosecution’s case and spared Rocky from a potentially decades-long sentence following three tense weeks in court. As jurors left, he said, “Thank you all for saving my life.”

Rocky took a risk by turning down a plea agreement that would have resulted in six months in prison, but it paid out in the end. His defense team contended that there were numerous contradictions in the accusations made by his old acquaintance A$AP Relli. Joe Tacopina, the defense lawyer, called Relli “an angry pathological liar” who had committed perjury on multiple occasions. Rocky spoke to the crowd of media and fans outside the courthouse. “Over the last four years, this entire experience has been insane,” he remarked. “I consider myself fortunate and grateful to be here as a free man.” Now that his legal issues are behind him, Rocky looks forward to a busy schedule that includes co-chairing the Met Gala, appearing with Denzel Washington in Spike Lee’s next movie, and headlining Rolling Loud. The prosecution, meanwhile, maintained its position. Nathan Hochman, the district attorney, asserted that not everyone is above the law because of their fame. For Rocky and Rihanna, however, the occasion was one of joy—one of liberation, release, and an unmistakable display of affection.