A$AP Rocky Opens Up About His Gun Assault Trial: ‘I Was Definitely Scared for My Freedom’

A$AP Rocky has opened up about his gun assault trial for the first time, calling the experience “gut-wrenching and nerve-wracking.”

In a new interview with Variety published on Tuesday (May 6), Rocky talked about what it was like sitting in the courtroom for his gun assault trial in February — he was accused by former friend A$AP Relli of shooting him in November of 2021. Rocky was found not guilty on all charges. The rapper said the experience taught him to “focus on his own actions,” adding that he is “blessed” to be able to get back to work.

“You got to stop yourself from thinking like that,” Rocky told the publication when asked whether he was worried about being found guilty. “Because that could get the best of you, and you can manifest that energy by mistake. I tried to stay positive at all times. But it was definitely gut-wrenching and nerve-racking, and I was definitely scared for my freedom. I was so thankful that the jury made that decision. I was really thankful for how the judge was respectful and treated me like a first-class citizen. And I was thankful for my team and my lawyer, my family and my mom for being there with me the whole time.”

He added that his character in Spike Lee’s upcoming Highest 2 Lowest film, which Rocky stars in alongside Denzel Wasington, was heavily inspired by his own legal troubles.

“I was able to act like a piece of s—t who was going away for a long time but didn’t realize the consequences, because in real life, I knew exactly what the consequences felt like,” Rocky said. He added that acting was his “only escape” during the trial. 

The trial’s most viral moment came at the end when Rocky launched himself into Rihanna’s arms after his “not guilty” verdict was read. The rapper told Variety that moment came from “being happy and wanting to get the f—k out that building.”

Now, the “L$D” rapper is moving forward with his life — and with some happy news, too. Shortly before the 2025 Met Gala — which Rocky co-chaired — began on Monday (May 5), Rihanna revealed that she and the Grammy-nominated rapper — who share sons RZA, nearly 3, and Riot Rose, 1 — are expecting their third child together.