‘Glory belongs to God’ – Rihanna celebrates A$AP Rocky being found not guilty
Barbadian singer and entrepreneur Rihanna has expressed gratitude after her partner, rapper A$AP Rocky was found not guilty in his 2021 shooting trial. The verdict, delivered by a Los Angeles jury on Tuesday, brings an end to a case that could have seen Rocky face up to 24 years in prison.
Following the ruling, Rihanna took to Instagram to share her reaction, attributing the outcome to divine intervention.
“The glory belongs to God and God alone! Thankful, humbled by His mercy!” the Fenty Beauty founder and CEO expressed her overwhelming relief.
The high-profile case had put immense pressure on the couple, especially with the possibility of Rocky serving a lengthy prison sentence. The verdict now allows him to move forward without legal constraints.
The Praise the Lord and L$D hitmaker expressed his gratitude to the jurors as they left the courtroom.
“Thank y’all for saving my life,” he said.
A$AP hugs Rihanna
The moment the verdict was announced, the rapper sprang from the defence table, wrapping his female lawyer in a victorious hug before launching himself into Rihanna’s arms, who was seated in the gallery alongside his mother and sister. They welcomed him as the courtroom burst into cheers.
The way Asap Rocky RAN and JUMPED over to Rihanna to hug her after he was found NOT Guilty. My heart 🥹 pic.twitter.com/7irh8gXK9P
— Missing No. (@TheNavyCentral) February 19, 2025
“This whole experience has been crazy for the past four years. I’m thankful, and it’s a blessing to be here right now as a free man, talking to y’all,” A$AP told a swam of fans and paparazzi that had gathered outside the courthouse.
The verdict
The rapper, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, was accused of firing a semiautomatic firearm at his former friend, A$AP Relli (Terell Ephron), in 2021, grazing his knuckles during an altercation in Hollywood.
Rocky denied the charges, rejecting a plea deal before trial. His defence claimed he fired a prop gun taken from a music video set, while prosecutors argued the attack was real, citing recorded messages where Relli allegedly sought financial gain. No gun was recovered, and conflicting witness testimonies complicated the case.
After deliberating, the jury acquitted him of two felony counts of assault with a firearm, clearing him of all charges.
The jury ultimately ruled in Rocky’s favour, sparing him a potential 24-year sentence.
