Rihanna Celebrates A$AP Rocky’s Not Guilty Verdict: A Look at Their Journey Together

The world watched as A$AP Rocky, overcome with emotion, embraced his partner Rihanna after being acquitted of felony charges on Tuesday. Now, Rihanna has publicly shared her joy and relief following the verdict.

A$AP Rocky’s Acquittal and Rihanna’s Emotional Response

A California jury found A$AP Rocky not guilty of two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, stemming from a 2021 shooting incident involving a former friend in Los Angeles. The rapper, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, was visibly emotional as the verdict was read, and he immediately sought comfort in Rihanna’s arms.

Rihanna, the global music icon and founder of Fenty Beauty, took to her Instagram Stories to express her gratitude and relief. In a heartfelt note, she wrote, “The Glory belongs to God and God alone. Thankful, humbled by his mercy!” The post reflected her deep appreciation for the outcome and her faith during what was undoubtedly a challenging time for the couple.

A Strong Partnership Through Thick and Thin

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky, who have been in a relationship for several years, share two young sons: RZA, aged 2, and Riot, aged 1. Rihanna was a constant presence throughout the trial, even bringing their children to court on occasion, showcasing her unwavering support for Rocky during the legal battle.

The couple’s bond has been a topic of fascination for fans, and their journey from collaborators to life partners is a testament to their deep connection.

From Friendship to Family: Their Love Story

In a 2024 cover story for Interview magazine, Rihanna opened up about the origins of their relationship. The pair first connected professionally when they collaborated on a remix of her 2011 hit single, Cockiness (Love It). Their chemistry was undeniable, but it wasn’t until years later that their friendship blossomed into romance.

Rihanna recalled a memorable moment during a performance of Cockiness at the MTV Video Music Awards, where A$AP Rocky playfully grabbed her backside on stage. While her team was concerned about her reaction, Rihanna laughed it off, and the incident became a turning point in their relationship. Instead of holding a grudge, she went on to star in his Fashion Killa music video, and the two grew closer as friends.

“We saw fashion the same. We saw creative the same,” Rihanna shared. “We ended up in the same circles a lot. And past that, when we grew up, we ended up supporting each other’s brands and products and creative all the time.”

Taking the Leap: From Friends to Partners

The couple officially transitioned from friends to romantic partners toward the end of 2019, though Rihanna admitted they approached the relationship “with a lot of caution.” The COVID-19 pandemic, however, accelerated their bond.

“COVID sped up our relationship, which I felt like God knew we needed because we were going to start a family,” Rihanna revealed. “Had it not been for COVID, we would’ve taken a lot more time to get comfortable with each other, to even know that we were ready.”

The pandemic allowed them to deepen their connection, and they soon welcomed their first child, RZA, followed by their second son, Riot.

A$AP Rocky’s Message After the Verdict

DON’T BE DUMB

— LORD FLACKO JODYE II (@asvpxrocky) February 19, 2025

Following the not guilty verdict, A$AP Rocky took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a cryptic yet optimistic message: “Don’t Be Dumb,” which is also the title of his long-awaited album. The post hinted at his focus on moving forward and continuing his creative endeavors after the trial.

A Testament to Love and Resilience

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky’s journey—from collaborators to friends, and now life partners and parents—highlights their resilience and commitment to each other. Through professional highs, personal challenges, and legal battles, they have remained a united front, supporting one another every step of the way.

As they celebrate this legal victory, fans around the world are inspired by their love story and the strength they’ve shown in the face of adversity. Rihanna’s heartfelt message of gratitude and A$AP Rocky’s determination to move forward serve as a reminder of the power of faith, love, and perseverance.