Rihanna Fires Back at Reporter Questioning A$AP Rocky on Best Friend’s Loss: “How Do You Think It Feels?”

A$AP Rocky has been found not guilty of felony assault charges following a highly publicized trial related to a 2021 shooting incident in Los Angeles. The verdict, delivered on February 18, 2025, by a jury at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center, comes after weeks of testimony, legal arguments, and speculation.

A$AP Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, had been accused of firing a semi-automatic handgun at A$AP Relli, a former friend and fellow member of the A$AP Mob collective. If convicted, the rapper faced a maximum sentence of 24 years in prison. However, after just three hours of deliberation, the jury returned a unanimous decision in his favor.

Rihanna’s Reaction: A Public and Personal Moment

Following the verdict, Rihanna, A$AP Rocky’s longtime partner and the mother of his two children, was seen embracing him in the courtroom. She had been a constant presence throughout the trial, standing by his side during hearings and offering visible emotional support.

Shortly after the verdict was announced, Rihanna took to social media, expressing gratitude and attributing the outcome to divine intervention. She posted on her Instagram story, “THE GLORY BELONGS TO GOD AND GOD ALONE! THANKFUL, HUMBLED BY HIS MERCY!” signaling relief and appreciation for the decision. Meanwhile, A$AP Rocky himself thanked the jury and legal team, stating, “Thank y’all for saving my life.”

The Charges and Trial Proceedings

The case against A$AP Rocky stemmed from a November 2021 incident in Hollywood, where prosecutors alleged that he fired a gun twice in the direction of A$AP Relli during a confrontation.

• Prosecution’s Argument: Relli, whose real name is Terell Ephron, claimed that the rapper pointed a firearm at him and fired, narrowly missing his body. He also alleged that he suffered emotional distress and financial losses due to the altercation.
• Defense’s Argument: A$AP Rocky’s attorneys contended that the gun in question was actually a prop firearm and that the allegations were exaggerated. The defense also questioned the credibility of Relli’s claims, highlighting inconsistencies in his testimony. Notably, the shell casings Relli provided to the police were not found at the alleged crime scene, raising further doubts about the prosecution’s case.

In a calculated legal strategy, A$AP Rocky declined a plea deal that would have required him to serve 180 days in jail and probation. Instead, he chose to take his chances in court, a decision that ultimately proved to be the right one.

Tense Moment Outside the Courthouse: Rihanna Shuts Down Personal Question

While the legal battle has officially ended, tensions remain high. As Rihanna and A$AP Rocky exited the courthouse, a bystander attempted to engage Rihanna in a personal conversation about the trial’s emotional toll.

The individual asked, “Asap how does it feel losing your childhood best friend?”—a reference to the fractured relationship between A$AP Rocky and A$AP Relli, who had once been close associates.

Rihanna swiftly shut down the inquiry, responding with a pointed rhetorical question: “How do you think it feels?” Her unwillingness to entertain invasive personal questions in such a charged moment.

“how do you think it feels?” rihanna was sick of dumb questions 😭 pic.twitter.com/vLLv24WiNt

— 𝖌𝖆𝖇 (@gabgonebad) February 19, 2025

What’s Next for A$AP Rocky and Rihanna?

With the trial now behind them, A$AP Rocky and Rihanna can shift their focus back to their personal and professional lives. The couple, who share two children—RZA, 2, and Riot, 7 months—have been navigating the demands of their careers alongside parenthood.

• Music and Business Ventures: A$AP Rocky has teased new music, and sources close to him suggest that he plans to release an album soon. Rihanna, meanwhile, has been balancing her role as a mother with her expanding business empire, including Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty.
• Legal Matters: Although the criminal trial is over, Relli has also filed a civil lawsuit against A$AP Rocky, seeking damages for alleged emotional distress and financial losses. The outcome of that case remains uncertain.

Public and Industry Reactions

The verdict has sparked widespread discussion among fans, legal analysts, and fellow musicians. Many in the hip-hop community have voiced support for A$AP Rocky, applauding his legal victory and questioning the motivations behind the case.

However, others have pointed out that Relli’s allegations should not be dismissed outright, as gun violence remains a serious issue within the music industry.

Final Thoughts On This Case

The acquittal of A$AP Rocky brings an end to a case that could have drastically altered the trajectory of his life and career. Rihanna’s steadfast presence and unwavering support throughout the trial highlight the strength of their relationship, as well as the challenges of navigating legal battles in the public eye.

While the rapper and his family celebrate this legal victory, lingering tensions and legal disputes with A$AP Relli suggest that the drama may not be entirely over. For now, though, A$AP Rocky and Rihanna are looking forward to moving on, focusing on their family, careers, and future endeavors.