Rihanna is feeling “thankful” after A$AP Rocky was found not guilty in his felony assault trial. The verdict marks the end of a four-year legal battle that has garnered significant media attention.
The 36-year-old pop star has been in a relationship with A$AP, also 36, since 2020 and he had been accused of shooting his former friend Terrell Ephron during an altercation near a hotel almost four years ago but after he was acquitted on Tuesday (18.02.25), Rihanna took to social media to share here relief. The couple’s relationship has remained strong throughout the legal proceedings.
“The Glory belongs to God and God alone. Thankful, humbled by his mercy,” she wrote on Instagram. The post quickly garnered millions of likes and supportive comments from fans worldwide.
During the trial, Ephron had claimed that the Grammy Award-winning rapper – whose real name is Rakim Mayers – had opened fire on him and grazed his knuckles in the process, but A$AP denied the charges throughout. The case highlighted the complexities of celebrity legal proceedings in the digital age.
Mayers had been facing up to 24 years in prison, but the 12-person jury found him not guilty, almost a month after the trial began in late January. Legal experts followed the case closely, noting its implications for similar celebrity trials.
The ‘Umbrella’ hitmaker – who has RZA, two and Riot, 18 months with A$AP – was seated behind her partner as the verdict was read out. The couple‘s presence in court drew significant media attention, with photographers capturing every moment.
“Thank God for saving my life,” he said. The statement reflected the gravity of what was at stake for the artist’s career and personal life.
The ‘Fashion Killa’ hitmaker became friends with Ephron in high school, although the pair spoke less and less in the years that saw him become world-famous. Their relationship mirrored many similar cases of friendship strain following rapid celebrity success.
During the trial, Mayers’s defense argued that the firearm in question was a harmless prop gun, whilst Ephron and his legal team alleged that it was an actual weapon. Ballistics experts were consulted throughout the proceedings.
Part of the altercation had been captured on camera, and the jury was able to watch some of the footage was captured via surveillance video, but nothing of the actual alleged shooting was filmed. Digital forensics played a crucial role in analyzing the available evidence.
With no evidence to corroborate Ephron’s accusations, Judge Mark Arnold said: “Mr. Mayers, you’re excused!” The moment marked a turning point in A$AP Rocky‘s career and personal life.
Just before the trial, A$AP had rejected an offer of serving six months in jail if he accepted just one of the two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. The decision to proceed with the trial proved crucial to his eventual acquittal.
“This whole experience has been crazy for the past four years,” he said following his acquittal. “I’m thankful and it’s blessed to be here right now to be a free man talking to y’all.” The case had significantly impacted his music career and public appearances.
The verdict represents a significant moment for both A$AP Rocky and Rihanna, who have maintained a united front throughout the legal proceedings. Industry insiders note that such high-profile cases often test celebrity relationships, yet theirs has emerged stronger.
The trial attracted daily media coverage and sparked discussions about celebrity justice and the role of social media in high-profile legal cases. Legal experts have cited this case as an example of the challenges faced by both prosecution and defense teams in cases involving prominent public figures.
Support for the couple flooded social media platforms following the verdict, with fans and fellow celebrities expressing relief at the outcome. The case has highlighted the intersection of celebrity culture, legal proceedings, and social media influence in modern society.
