Rapper A$AP Rocky was found not guilty Tuesday of two assault charges, avoiding a potential prison sentence of about 24 years after turning down a plea deal last month that would have put him in jail for 180 days.

The verdict was delivered Tuesday in Los Angeles. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon – Pool/Getty Images)

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Key Facts

Rakim Meyers, best known by his stage name A$AP Rocky, was found not guilty of two counts of first-degree assault with a semiautomatic firearm after being accused of firing a gun at his former friend and fellow rapper A$AP Relli during a confrontation in 2021.

A$AP Relli, also known as Terell Ephron, told jurors during the trial his hand was grazed by a bullet Meyers fired from a gun, with Meyers’ lawyer, Joe Tacopina, arguing the rapper was carrying a prop gun incapable of firing real bullets.

Meyers was seen diving into the courtroom’s gallery to hug supporters including his partner, Rihanna, after the verdict was delivered, thanking jurors for “saving” his life, according to the Associated Press.

Meyers, who did not testify in his own defense during the trial, faced up to 24 years in prison after rejecting a plea deal last month that included six months in jail in exchange for having one of the assault charges dropped.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.